Counterfeit $100 bills are circulating on St. Croix, the V.I. Police Department warned Tuesday.

Detectives from the department’s Insular Investigation Unit cautioned residents not to accept any $100 bills unless they can verify their authenticity.

The influx of phony C-notes began around Sept. 1, according to the department’s announcement. Counterfeit bills have been received at the casino and at WAPA, the detectives said, adding that all businesses need to be aware that these bills are being passed around.

Detectives said the fake bill “looks very real” and business should confirm the authenticity of all $100 dollar bills by using a counterfeit detector machine or pen. It is against the law to knowingly pass a counterfeit bill.

Anyone who encounters a counterfeit bill is asked to call police immediately and file a report by calling detectives at 1-340-712-6100, the 911 emergency call center, or Crime Stoppers USVI at 800-222-8477.