Carter County Sheriff’s office warns businesses of counterfeit bill scam

The Carter County Sheriff’s Office is warning businesses of an ongoing counterfeit money scheme. The sheriff’s office said several businesses have been targeted in recent months, particularly in the Roan Mountain and Hampton areas. Cases have also been reported in nearby North Carolina. The subject enters the business, makes a small purchase, less than five dollars, then pays for the purchase with a counterfeit $50 or $100 bill, sometimes asking the cashier to break another large bill. In one case, a suspect entered a store and conducted the scheme before exiting, changing clothes, and doing it again. At least two suspects are involved in the scam, both seen driving the same white, or silver, early 2000s Volkswagen Toareg. Anyone who has fallen victim to the scheme or has information on the suspects is asked to call the sheriff’s office or submit a tip online.