COOLEEMEE – Not only do shoppers have to be extra careful during the holiday season, store owners do, as well.

Counterfeit $100 and $20 bills have circulated in the area, said Police Chief Bobby West. The department is investigating one case where employees noticed the fake bills at Dollar General on Nov. 25.

That day, a black male tried to purchase cigarettes and a VISA gift card, and did not have an ID when asked by the clerk. The clerk would not sell him the cigarettes, but he handed her five $100 bills and a $20 bill to put on the gift card.

The clerk told officers they immediately knew the money was fake when they felt it. They told the suspect so, and he argued, before leaving the store – and the fake $100 bills.

He left in a 90s model silver, Chevrolet Impala, driven by a black woman, police reported.

Anyone with information is asked to call Cooleemee police at 336-284-4098.