SEASIDE — The Police Department sent out a warning Wednesday about forged $100 bills in the area.

Seaside Police responded Monday to Columbia Bank for forged $100 bills, according a news release from Police Chief Bob Gross.

The bills, made from washed $1 bills from a 1977 series with serial number G37205781A, were cashed at two downtown businesses in Seaside.

“Because the bills are washed $1 bills, they will pass the pen test,” the release states. “The bank’s sorting machine rejected the bills, which led to the discovery they were counterfeit.”

The bills will be turned over to the U.S. Secret Service.

The police report that passing counterfeit bills during high-activity weekends “is a common practice, and merchants are encouraged to have their employees take a little extra time when dealing with $100 bills.”

Anyone with information concerning who passed the counterfeit bills is asked to contact the Seaside Police Department at (503) 738-6311.