DeKalb police issued a warning following the discovery of a counterfeit $100 bill by a local bank employee.

The bill originally was printed as a $1 bill that allegedly was “washed” by the counterfeiters who then reprinted it as a $100 bill, according to the press release from the DeKalb Police Department. This type of counterfeiting is difficult to detect because bill pens will recognize the paper money as a real bill, the press release stated. The department warns area residents and businesses to look closely at any large bills they receive.

Examining the colors and details of bills are important ways in determining if the currency is legitimate.

The $100 bill also has a portrait of Ben Franklin as a watermark in the lower right-hand corner that should be clearly visible when held up to a light.

Call the DeKalb Police Department at 748-8400 regarding any questions about suspicious currency.