Kauai police officials are warning the public to be aware of fake $100 bills with red Chinese markings being used to buy merchandise.  

Kauai police said today they’ve recovered several fake bills. 

Police said most business owners at a Kapaa outdoor market immediately recognized the bills as fakes due to the Chinese markings on them. 

Police advised merchants to be cautious, especially around this time of year when stores are busy and consumer spending is at its peak. 

To properly identify counterfeit bills, police suggest comparing a suspect note with a genuine note of the same denomination. 

Police said the fine lines on the border of a genuine note are clear and unbroken. 

Police said if the color of the serial number does not match the Treasury Seal, the bill is a fake. 

Anyone with information on individuals involved in the making or circulating of counterfeit bills are urged to call police immediately at 241-1711. Anonymous tipsters may call CrimeStoppers at 246-8300. 

For more tips on how to detect counterfeit money, visit the U.S. Secret Service website at www.secretservice.gov.