Any ideas for our response when customers offer counterfiet money for payments?

Question

We have received a few counterfeit bills as payments, we have purchased a "counterfiet cop" to help with this problem but we need suggested clerk responses for dealing with customers good or bad.

Answer 1

911

Answer 2

I disagree- tell the customer that the bill is no good. Politely but firmly tell them you cannot accept it, and suggest they contact whomever gave it to them.

Keep in mind that sometimes legitimate bills that have been washed or oterwise abused will appear counterfeit. I once had a bank teller reject a $100 bill- the bank had me fill out a form & sent the bill off for verification- a few days later it came back fine (they credited my account) If this can happen with a teller & supervisor being certain it was counterfeit, I'd have to think it's even more possible with store employees.

If the customer really wants to argue the point, inform them that you're really required to call the police whenever this sort of thing occurs, if they wish to stick around and speak to officers about it, they are welcome to do so...

Answer 3

The Secret Service probably has a standard procedure. I'd suggest you contact them. Note that it's the Secret Service (not the FBI) that handles issues with counterfeit money, because they were established by the treasury. And bear in mind that a person trying to spend a counterfeit bill, while possibly the forger himself, might also just be an innocent victim who received the bill in the past and has no idea that it's fake.

Answer 4

"I'm sorry sir/m'aam, do you have any other form of payment? I cannot accept this bill." If they ask why, discretely let them know that it is counterfeit. If it is a large bill, then chances are they may have smaller counterfeits as well. I worked in a major retail store for a while, and I was trained on counterfeit money. It is a bit embarrassing to have to tell them that, but it's beneficial to your business, and the customer may not have known. Hope this helps!!

Answer 5

You have already been in contact by the FBI, right? Passing a counterfeit bill is illegal - call the authorities immediately. Don't let that customer leave your establishment - it could make your company/employees duplicious in assisting a crime.
Train all your employees on the procedure they need to do when a counterfeit bill is accepted. The customer may be expecting it.
Good luck and keep things non-confrontational.

Answer 6

Interesting problem. Perhaps when a costumer gives counterfiet bills, your clerk could say, "Are you aware that this is not legal U.S currency." Then the customer will get scared and pay in another form or wonder how they got stuck with bad bills.

Answer 7

You should indicate to your customer that you believe the bill is counterfeit, and that you are unable to accept it. Apologize that it is an inconvenience for them. Some people will become angry no matter what because they feel like you are critcizing them personally. You can contact the police for them, as they are unwittingly passing the money, most likely. Most importantly keep the bill to turn over to police, don't let the customer leave with it to stop the circulation of phony bills.

Answer 8

I'm sorry but we can only accept the legal tender of the United States of America. This bill has been tested as counterfeit.

Answer 9

i always test the money before i ever ring it up into the register if its counterfit i hand it back to the customer,,explain why,,they can then take the money to the place where they got it and complain,,,ie bank

just be polite its probably not thierfaul and they feel stupid for being duped too

Answer 10

last time i checked call the cops