Crowley police are investigating a counterfeit scam which has affected two of their local businesses.

Police said the criminals are using a process called "washing bills" to make a ninety-five dollar profit out of a five dollar bill.

"In bills if you take a five and match the five up to a hundred, it's a lot of similarities," stated Chief K.P. Gibson.

Crowley police Chief Gibson said that the criminals are taking a five dollar bill--washing away the five and copying a one hundred dollar bill over it.

And when it's time to use the bill the counterfeit pen used at most stores won't detect the money as counterfeit.

"On this counterfeit bill that has being passed right now, if I used a counterfeit pen it will show that it's a good bill cause it is a good bill. It's just the fact that it's been washed basically the inks have been altered to fit the copy there," stated Chief K.P. Gibson.

So when the counterfeit scammers went into the local Shop-Rite and Chevron it was easy for them to get away with using the "funny money."

But Chief Gibson said there are ways to put a stop to scams like these.

He said employees need to be trained on what to look for on a bill like the watermark on the inside of the money.

He also suggested using technology--like surveillance cameras to help police capture anyone who may be using the counterfeit bills.

The stores affected by this scam are located near the interstate making it harder for police to identify the origin of the bills.

If you have any information on this counterfeit scam call local police.