Reward offered for counterfeiters

WASILLA — Mat-Su Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for spreading funny money around the city.

According to a Crime Stoppers press release, the Wasilla Police Department has received eight reports of counterfeit money starting in December 2012. So far, $3,300 in fake currency has been passed at local businesses.

The two most recently reported in police logs were at Wal-Mart Jan. 7 and a $20 bill passed at McDonald’s at 6:20 a.m., Jan. 9.

Police report that the denominations of the bills range from $5 to $100 with $5, $10 and $20 being the most commonly used.

They urge people who handle money at stores to educate themselves on how to spot fakes by going to the “Know Your Money” section of secretservice.gov.

Anyone with information should call Mat-Su Crime Stoppers at 745-3333 or submit a tip online at matsu-crimestoppers.org.

Tipsters can remain anonymous.