There is apparently a counterfeit scam which is affecting several areas including Manhasset and Great Neck.
Several shop keepers in Manhasset had learned that they had been the victims of receiving counterfeit $100 bills on Tuesday, Jan. 20 between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
According to Eric owner of DeLis Salon, a young Hispanic woman in her mid 20’s entered his establishment around 6:15 p.m. He engaged her in conversation talking about the hair products he had for sale and which would be the best curls. He had asked whether she was from around here and she answered “yes” and proceeded to pay for the item with a $100 bill.
He checked the bill with a counterfeit detection pen and the bill passed as good. The woman then pocketed the change and left the store. She went to several other stores on Plandome Road and either purchased a low price item or asked for change of $100 and paid for it in counterfeit $100 bills. The bills were checked with a fraud pen and were considered to be valid; however, checked under an ultraviolet sensor they come up as counterfeit. The number of stores known to be approached by this woman was unknown.
In addition, the woman would change he appearance subtly by pining up her hair in one store and changing her appearance slightly. Police reports were filed. Upon contacting the third precinct, the reports were filed and sent to the “Crimes Against Properties” unit. No update was available.
According to a source at the Great Neck Plaza Chamber of Commerce, two stores complained about counterfeit bills being passed on the same day.
Attached is a photograph taken by the video surveillance at DeLis.
The quality of the fraud is so good that some shopkeepers will not accept $100 bills anymore.
This is widespread and even goes into Brooklyn where signs are in the window saying “We don’t accept $100 bills”
