Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter police department is urging businesses to be careful when accepting $100 bills, after reports of at least three incidents in the Dexter area.

According to Dexter Police Chief Trevor Pulley, "We have had three since May 21, 2018 at local businesses."

Businesses should be proactive when taking money over the counter of any denomination higher than a $20, but be especially cautious when taking $50 or $100 dollar bills.

There are a number of security features on bills issued by the US Federal Reserve, but Pulley suggests that businesses should focus on the security band that is to the left of the portrait on the front of the bill running vertically. According to uscurrency.gov, the band should be visible if you backlight the bill, and will have "USA" and the number "100" on it as well, alternating on both sides of the strip.

Other security features, according to uscurrency.gov, include a watermark of Benjamin Franklin to the right of the portrait, color-shifting ink on the "100" in the corner of the bill, a 3-D security ribbon that runs to the right of the portrait that alternate both bells and a "100" when you move the bill side-to-side, among other features.

If you feel you have received a counterfeit $100 bill please contact your local police department immediately.