HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Hutchinson police have reported an increase of counterfeit bills being passed in Hutchinson.

Officials say a majority of the bills being passed at local businesses are fake $20 bills.

Businesses need to be aware that this is happening and be on the lookout.

There are ways you can determine if you have received U.S. currency:

Officials say you can hold a bill up to a light and look for a holograph of the face image on the bill. Looking at the bill through a light will also reveal a thin vertical strip containing text that spells out the bill’s denomination.

There is also color-shifting ink. If you hold the new series bill and tilt it back and forth, you can observe the numeral in the lower right-hand corner as its color shifts from green to black and back.

Also, look for the watermark, the security thread running from top to bottom and the ultraviolet glow. If the bill is held up to an ultraviolet light, the $5 bill glows blue, the $10 bill glows orange, the $20 bill glows green, the $50 bill glows yellow, and the $100 bill glows red if they are authentic.

If you receive a counterfeit bill, don’t put yourself in danger. Do not return the bill to the passer, delay the passer with some excuse, if possible.

Observe the passer’s description, their companions’ descriptions and write down their vehicle license plate numbers if you can.

Contact your local police department or call your local secret service office.