Counterfeit 200 Shekel Notes Hit Businesses in Kadima-Tzoran

Businesses in Kadima-Tzoran, a community in central Israel, have recently been targeted by counterfeit 200 shekel banknotes. Several entrepreneurs have reported losses totaling thousands of shekels after accepting the fake currency from customers.

One incident occurred at a clothing store in the Tzoran mall, where a man purchased a shirt for 119 shekels. He paid with a counterfeit 200 shekel note, and the cashier, distracted by other customers, gave him 100 shekels in change without verifying the bill. The forgery was discovered later, prompting the cashier to warn other local businesses.

Another incident involved customers paying for pizzas with fake 200 shekel notes. According to sources, the counterfeit bills are of high quality and difficult to detect without close inspection.

In response to the growing problem, some businesses have stopped accepting large cash payments, particularly 200 shekel notes, and now prefer card payments or smaller denominations. Entrepreneurs have expressed a loss of trust, stating, "We learned our lesson. We don't trust anyone."

Several business owners have filed police reports, and an investigation is currently underway.