DANVILLE, Ind. – Investigators believe a group used counterfeit cash to target more than a dozen Kroger stores and buy nearly $12,000 in fraudulently obtained items.
On Feb. 2, 2025, police said the thieves struck at the Danville Kroger shopping center around 3:30 p.m. According to the Danville Police Department, they used $800 in counterfeit money to buy GreenDot eCash and a Visa Netspend gift card.
The counterfeit cash closely mirrored similar fraudulent bills recovered by several jurisdictions, including the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Terre Haute Police Department (THPD), Greenwood Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service Office in Nashville, Tennessee.
“The Terre Haute Police Department has received reports of local businesses being targeted with counterfeit money. Our White Collar Crime Detectives are actively investigating these incidents and working to identify those responsible,” said THPD in a Facebook post.
Danville police said the group is believed to have targeted at least 14 Kroger stores, resulting in an estimated loss of $11,900.
Danville police don’t have a description of their vehicle. However, they are reviewing surveillance footage and working with other agencies to identify the individuals.
Anyone with information should contact the Danville Police Department.
“Even the smallest detail could be instrumental in advancing this investigation,” police said.
Here are the numbers to call (police ask people to reference Case HP25-901):
- Detective Jonathan Wolf – jwolf@danvillein.gov | (317) 745-4180 ext. 6114
- Danville Police Department Crime Tip Line – (317) 745-3001
- Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana – (317) 262-TIPS (8477)
THPD is also encouraging all business owners and employees to take these precautions to help protect from counterfeit currency:
Check Security Features – U.S. currency has several security features that will help identify counterfeit money. Those security features include watermarks, color-shifting ink and security threads
Verify Serial Numbers – Compare serial numbers if multiple bills are received from the same source. THPD said counterfeiters may use duplicate numbers.
Be Cautious of Large Bills – THPD said to pay attention to $50 and $100 bills, as counterfeiters often attempt to use fake bills with these denominations.
Use Counterfeit Detection Pen – These pens can be used to help identify fake currency. However, THPD said these pens should be used with other verification methods.
Train Employees – Ensure staff members know how to recognize counterfeit money, and the steps needed to be taken if they suspect one
Report Suspicious Activity – If you receive a counterfeit bill THPD said to not return the bill to the individual, instead contact a local law enforcement agency.
For anyone in the Terre Haute area that believes their business has been targeted or if you have any information regarding counterfeit money, contact THPD at (812) 238-1661.
