The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office reported today that counterfeit bills have been passed to Floral City merchants.

The bills have been passed since June 19, and were reported as late as Wednesday.

The Floral City branch of Brannen Bank in Floral City reported on Wednesday that during the past few days, it has received five separate business deposits that, between them, contained five counterfeit $50 bills, and one bogus $20 bill.

While convenience stores typically appear to be the target of choice in this kind of crime, no distinct pattern or trend has materialized so far in this case, the CCSO said today.

All of the counterfeit bills were exceptionally good fakes. The five $50s bore the same serial number: IB08965057B. The single $20 had a serial number of EG21199483D.

The Sheriff’s Office is looking to question a person of interest mentioned by a couple of the merchant victims. Their descriptions indicate a clean-shaven white male in his 40s, around 6 feet tall, muscular build, with dark hair and several small, unknown tattoos on both arms.

Sheriff’s Office detectives are encouraging all merchants in the county to be aware that fake bills are being passed and to take the time to eyeball the cash they’re taking in, particularly bills in $50 and $20 denominations.

Merchants also can check out the Web site www.moneyfactory.gov for more information.

Anyone with information about this crime or the identity of the person of interest is asked to call 911 or 726-1121 immediately.