Counterfeit bills circulating in state

Connecticut retailers and consumers should be aware of counterfeit $100 bills in circulation, the state's Better Business Bureau said.

BBB was alerted about a counterfeit $100 bill that was passed to an unidentified retailer in Southeastern Connecticut, BBB said.

The phony currency started out as a legitimate $5 bank note.  The counterfeiters apparently used a technique that involves bleaching legitimate money and altering the bills to look like $100 notes, BBB said.   

It's not clear how many of these fake bills are in circulation because the U.S. Secret Service, which is responsible for investigating counterfeiting operations, doesn't disclose those details.

Merchants who suspect they have given counterfeit money can turn to banks for help. Banks work closely with government investigators, use technology that can identify if paper currency has been altered and reports cases of counterfeit money to the Secret Service.    

Businesses may claim losses due to counterfeit money as an income tax deduction, BBB said.