Federal, state and local law enforcement authorities are reminding Lawrence County residents and business owners that with the holiday shopping picking up as Christmas draws closer, be aware of counterfeit money being passed. The latest reports indicate that a number of bogus bills in the $20 and $100 denominations are showing up across southeastern Illinois. The fake bills are noticeable due to their serial numbers and the differing texture, coloring and centering of the bill itself. Everyone is being asked to inspect bills closely and use counterfeit discovery methods. Many times, store employees will forego looking at money in order to get customers in and out of the store quickly. This plays into the hands of the counterfeiters. Anyone who receives fake money or suspects bogus money is asked to contact their nearest local, state or federal authorities.