Police say fake bills were simple photocopies

[December 14, 2011]  SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- It didn't take special training for workers in South Dakota to spot the fake $20 bills that were being passed off as real money this week. Police say the phony bills were simply low-tech color photocopies.

Sioux Falls police spokesman Sam Clemens says the reason someone was able to get away with passing off about $200 worth of the bills is that he wrapped the phony ones inside of a real one, then rushed out the door before employees could stop him.

The bills were used at more than a half-dozen businesses before police arrested a suspect -- inside a hotel room he allegedly paid for, in part, with a fake bill.

The man is being held in jail. The Secret Service will determine if he'll face federal charges.

[Associated Press]

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