Investigators say financial fraud is up in our area and thieves have become more creative. The latest trick thieves are using is bleaching bills.

The Thomas County Sheriff's Department wants to send a warning to local businesses to watch out for these fake bills. They say thieves take real bills...bleach them... then copy fake money on top.

Since the paper is real, fraud detector pens won't indicate that the money is fake. Lieutenant Tim Watkins of Thomas County Sheriff's Department says, "They don't react to pens if you hold the money up to the light on those bills specifically you can see the water mark of Abraham Lincoln."

Investigators say hundreds of fake one hundred dollar bills are floating in our area in Thomas, Grady, Colquitt and Leon counties.

They ask if business owners or anyone who suspects they have been given fake money to call Thomas County investigations at 229-225-3315.