SALEM — The Salem Police Department is reporting the circulation of counterfeit $100 bills in the area. Police Chief Sean Reynolds says a few local businesses didn’t realize they had received some of the counterfeit bills over the weekend until they made their deposits at their banks.

According to Reynolds, the bills presented do not have the safety strip and when examined closely it’s apparent they are not centered on the paper. He says the color is also slightly off.

Reynolds reminds businesses to examine any $100 bills they receive and if unsure of the validity of a bill they may contact the police department for assistance.