New York State Police investigate widespread counterfeit currency scheme targeting Dollar General stores across the North Country

Black River, New York – A counterfeit currency investigation is underway in northern New York after authorities linked several incidents involving fake $100 bills used at Dollar General stores across the North Country. New York State Police believe the same suspect is responsible for multiple cases and are asking the public to help identify the individual.

The investigation, led by the New York State Police in Watertown, involves allegations of Scheme to Defraud and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. Detectives say the cases follow a similar pattern, with counterfeit bills being used in an attempt to load money onto online gift card accounts.

The investigation began on July 25, 2026, when State Police responded to the Dollar General store at 28525 State Route 3 in the village of Black River after employees reported receiving counterfeit currency.

According to investigators, the incident took place at approximately 11:43 a.m. An unidentified man entered the store and requested that $500 be added to an online gift card account. To complete the purchase, he handed the cashier five $100 bills.

The transaction appeared to be routine, and the man left the store without drawing attention. However, employees later noticed something unusual while handling the cash. Two of the bills carried identical serial numbers, prompting a closer inspection. Staff members then determined that all five $100 bills used in the transaction were counterfeit and reported the incident to law enforcement.

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As investigators examined the case, they discovered it was not an isolated event.

State Police say evidence indicates the same suspect has visited several Dollar General stores throughout the North Country using a similar method. Authorities believe the individual has been attempting to convert counterfeit cash into legitimate funds by loading money onto online accounts before employees realize the bills are fake.

One related case occurred at a Dollar General store in the city of Watertown. That incident is currently being investigated by the Watertown Police Department, although investigators believe it involves the same individual.

The suspected activity continued only a few days later.

On July 28, 2026, the same man allegedly entered a Dollar General store in the village of Hannibal in Oswego County and attempted to use counterfeit currency to add funds to an online account. Unlike the earlier incidents, however, the transaction was declined before it could be completed. Store employees reported the attempted fraud to the New York State Police, allowing investigators to connect the incident with the ongoing investigation.

Authorities have released a description of the suspect in hopes that members of the public may recognize him.

The man is described as a Black male between the ages of 20 and 30 with a slim build. Investigators estimate he stands between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 6 inches tall. During the reported incidents, he was wearing a black durag, a white tank top, black sweatpants, and red sneakers.

Police also believe the suspect may be traveling in a gray four-door sedan, though additional information about the vehicle has not been released.

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Investigators continue to gather evidence as they work to determine whether additional businesses may have been targeted. They are also examining whether other reported counterfeit currency incidents in the region could be connected to the same scheme.

Law enforcement is encouraging business owners and retail employees to remain alert when handling large cash transactions, particularly those involving high-denomination bills. The discovery of matching serial numbers on multiple bills played a key role in identifying the counterfeit currency used in the Black River case.

State Police are asking anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information that could assist the investigation to contact the New York State Police in Watertown at (315) 782-2112. Callers are asked to reference case NY2600915189 when providing information.

The investigation remains active, and no arrests have been announced. Authorities are continuing to work with local law enforcement agencies as they seek to identify the suspect and determine the full scope of the counterfeit currency operation across the North Country.