Business owners in Chareidi neighborhoods of Ashdod are reporting thousands of shekels in losses after counterfeit 200-shekel bills were allegedly used at dozens of stores across the city in recent days.

According to media reports, teenagers and young adults are suspected of using the fake bills to purchase clothing, shoes, food and other items, while in some cases receiving change in genuine cash.

One store owner said he lost approximately 2,500 shekels after accepting counterfeit bills and also gave the suspects real money as change. Another clothing store owner reported losing approximately 1,500 shekels in a similar incident.

Business owners estimate that dozens of stores, including clothing and shoe stores, food shops and convenience stores, have been targeted, with the combined losses believed to total tens of thousands of shekels.

Store owners are reviewing security camera footage in an effort to identify the suspects and have contacted police seeking their arrest.

According to an estimate cited by local business owners, the suspects may have obtained the counterfeit bills from criminal sources for approximately 20 shekels for each fake 200-shekel note.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)