In the east of Merida, merchants have begun to report new scammers modus operandi using counterfeit bills to purchase products, especially from small businesses.
This type of fraud intensifies during the last months of the year when the circulation of cash increases and purchases are on the rise due to the holidays.
Counterfeit bills circulating in Merida: merchants report how businesses are scammed.
A vendor, who asked to remain anonymous, shared her recent experience.
According to her story, a young man arrived at her food stand in a white van and, without getting out of the vehicle, asked her for 60 Kibis.
During the transaction, the man insisted that she hurry up with the delivery of the order, paying with a 500 peso bill.
After delivering the product, the merchant checked the bill and realized that it was fake, but the man was long gone by then.
“I didn’t have time to check it before because I was in a hurry, but after I examined it carefully I realized that it wasn’t authentic. It was a big economic loss for my business,” said the affected woman, visibly upset by the situation.
This is not an isolated case. Merchants in the area have pointed out that this type of fraud is common in the final stretch of the year, especially with high denomination bills, such as 200, 500, and 1,000 pesos.
Scammers often take advantage of moments of high activity in businesses to distract sellers and prevent them from carefully checking the bills.
What does the authority recommend regarding the circulation of counterfeit bills in Merida?
The Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) of Yucatan has recommended that merchants take extreme precautions when receiving cash.
Among the suggestions, the review of the security features of the bills stands out, such as touch-sensitive reliefs, watermarks, and microprinted thread, in addition to using markers that detect counterfeit bills.
Likewise, citizens are urged to report any attempted fraud or scam to the authorities, providing details such as the description of those involved, characteristics of the vehicle used, and the location of the incident.
Authorities stress that, in the event of receiving a counterfeit bill, it is important not to try to use it again, as this constitutes a crime.
Instead, the incident should be reported to the bank or the corresponding authorities.
Meanwhile, merchants affected by the circulation of counterfeit bills in Mérida, are making a call on their colleagues to remain alert, especially during the Christmas season, when sales usually increase, making businesses an easy target for these fraudsters.
“It is important to be vigilant and check every single bill, even if they come from usual customers,” concluded the affected saleswoman.
TYT Newsroom
