DeKalb police are investigating several cases where counterfeit money has been used at local fast food establishments and convenience stores.

Since Friday, the department has received nine reports of people passing or attempting to pass fake $20 bills in the new design.

The most recent incident occurred at Taco Bell, 1209 W. Lincoln Highway. Castle Bank informed employees on Tuesday they had received a counterfeit bill in their daily deposit.

On Saturday, both Castle Bank, 121 W. Lincoln Highway, and White Hen Pantry, 802 S. Fourth St., unknowingly accepted counterfeit money as well.

A customer who received the money during a weekend transaction informed Castle Bank he received two counterfeit bills. White Hen discovered a counterfeit bill on Monday. It is believed they received it on Saturday as well.

Police said the only suspect thus far is a male seen attempting to pass a bill at a fast food restaurant.

Police said residents and business owners should be on the alert for more counterfeit money. Anyone wanting information on how to detect counterfeit money may call police at 748-8400.