HILO, Hawaii — On Friday, the Hawaii Police Department issued a warning to the public of counterfeit U.S. $100 bills being used recently to purchase items from a retail business in East Hawaii.

The printing of counterfeit bills and using them to obtain goods or services is prohibited under both state and federal law and are felony offenses punishable by up to 10 years of jail time and monetary fines, according to a news release.

Officials encourage the public and retail employees to thoroughly inspect all U.S. currency and to notify police if they come across fraudulent bills.

Police also encourage people to note the characteristics of a person presenting a counterfeit bill that could assist officers in identifying, apprehending and prosecuting suspects.

The public is encouraged to learn about the different security features of denominations of U.S. currency at The Seven Denominations | U.S. Currency Education Program.

People who have become a victim of counterfeit bills can contact the police department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.