Police: Illinois businesses find counterfeit money

SPRINGFIELD - Sangamon County and Springfield authorities say they're investigating reports of customers using counterfeit money at local businesses.

Authorities told The (Springfield) State Journal-Register Thursday that fake bills have been used to make purchases of about $100 at businesses such as Dollar General stores. They've been found at a McDonald's restaurant and a convenience store.

There have been about six reports total. Authorities say the fakes are of very poor quality.

Springfield police say Dollar General store employees have reported two women and a man used counterfeit bills to purchase bed linens at two locations.

Sangamon County Undersheriff Jack Campbell says the sheriff's office plans to refer the issue to the U.S. Secret Service.

The Secret Service resident agent in charge in Springfield says businesses aren't compensated for fake bills.