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State Police investigating counterfeit currency scheme in the North Country
- CNY Online News
- 40 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The New York State Police in Watertown are investigating a Scheme to Defraud and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument involving the use of counterfeit $100 bills at multiple retail locations throughout the North Country.
On July 25, 2026, the New York State Police responded to the Dollar General, located at 28525 State Route 3 in the village of Black River, for a report of counterfeit currency.
The investigation determined that on July 25, 2026, at approximately 11:43 a.m., an unknown male entered the store and requested that $500 be loaded onto an online gift card account. The individual provided five $100 bills as payment.
After the transaction was completed and the individual left the store, an employee noticed that two of the bills had identical serial numbers. Upon further examination, it was determined that all five bills were counterfeit.
Further investigation has determined that the same unidentified individual has targeted multiple Dollar General stores throughout the North Country. A similar incident involving the same suspect occurred at a Dollar General in the city of Watertown and is being investigated by the Watertown Police Department.
On July 28, 2026, the suspect also entered the Dollar General in the village of Hannibal, Oswego County, and attempted to use counterfeit currency to load funds onto an online account; however, the transaction was declined and reported to State Police.
The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 20 to 30 years old, standing between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a slim build. At the time of the incidents, he was wearing a black durag, white tank top, black sweatpants, and red sneakers. He is believed to be driving a gray four-door sedan.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation or who recognizes the suspect is asked to contact the New York State Police in Watertown at (315) 782-2112 and reference case NY2600915189.
Contact Troop D Public Information Officer: Trooper Jennifer Jiron
Troop D Commander: Major Marc A. Barbera
Contact us by phone:
Troop D PIO 315-366-6000
