HICKORY, VALDESE, NEWTON, AND GRANITE FALLS, N.C. — Law enforcement agencies in Catawba and Burke counties are actively investigating a series of counterfeit $100 bill cases impacting Hickory, Valdese, Newton, and Granite Falls. Over the past week, Hickory police have documented four incidents of bogus currency at local businesses, prompting a regional inquiry into whether these counterfeit bills are linked across the area.
In Valdese, police have released photos of two individuals believed to have passed fake $100 bills in the downtown area over the last two weeks, marking the starting point of the investigation. Subsequently, police in both Newton and Granite Falls have shared two additional photos of a possible suspect, described as resembling the persons of interest from the Valdese cases. This brings the total to four photos, though authorities have not specified the exact number of suspects.
The release of these images reflects an effort to identify the individuals involved, and police are seeking public assistance. Businesses and residents are urged to inspect bills for security features such as watermarks, security threads, and color-shifting ink, and to report any suspicious activity. Anyone with information about the individuals in the photos or counterfeit incidents is asked to contact the Newton Police Department, Valdese Police Department, or Granite Falls Police Department. The investigation continues with further updates expected.
