Counterfeit Bills Passed at CVS Pharmacy in West Chester Under Investigation

West Chester police are currently conducting an investigation into an incident involving the passing of counterfeit bills at a CVS pharmacy located in East Bradford Township, Chester County. The incident occurred on Sunday evening around 8 p.m., prompting a response from local law enforcement. West Chester Police Public Information Officer Dave March provided details on the modus operandi employed by the suspects, who exchanged the fake currency for a deposit on their Cash App.

According to Officer March, the suspects utilized the Cash App on their mobile phones, allowing the pharmacy to scan the barcode and register the desired amount, ranging from $100 to $200. Once the transaction was completed, the funds were credited to the suspects’ app. Surveillance images of the individuals involved were released by investigators on Monday, with the hope that the public can assist in identifying the men captured on camera.

Authorities are also exploring the possibility of a connection between this incident and a separate case involving counterfeit bills in Kennett Square. On May 30, at approximately 9:15 p.m., two men passed a counterfeit $100 bill at the Star Gas & Diesel on Cypress Street. The store owner reported recognizing the men from a few weeks prior and confiscated the bill, suspecting foul play. Kennett Square police have released surveillance images of the suspects, seeking assistance from the public in identifying them.

The U.S. Secret Service, which seized nearly $22 million in counterfeit cash last year, is actively involved in combating counterfeit currency. In May 2023, Philadelphia Customs and Border Patrol officers collaborated with the Secret Service to seize over $14 million in counterfeit currency from various multi-million-dollar smuggling attempts. The Secret Service advises individuals to pay attention to features such as watermarks, shifting ink, and serial numbers on bills to identify potential counterfeits.