Three people tried to use counterfeit $100 bills at a few stores in Logan Township Wednesday night, including a few stores at the Logan Town Center.

Wilson Martin, Abdual Dixon and Jesstine Toukalty were caught near the AutoZone on Pleasant Valley Boulevard.

Police said Toukalty entered the store and tried to buy a few items with a counterfeit $100 bill. The employee noticed it was fake right away and refused to accept the bill. Toukalty instead purchased the items with a card.

Employees said she left and the car she got in was surrounded by police moments later.

Police said this isn’t the first time the group has used counterfeit bills.  The car had bags from PETCO, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Every Day’s A Party Stores.  There was also a receipt found using a $100 bill at the Martin’s grocery store.

The group has also used the counterfeits in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.  The woman, Jusstine Toukalty, is also wanted in Milwaukee for similar charges.

The three are facing criminal attempt of forgery, criminal conspiracy and theft charges.  They all are in Blair County Prison awaiting their preliminary hearings.

Police said an incident like this isn’t anything new to our area and is a serious crime.

“The loss to the companies obviously trickles down to the consumer, which is a problem for you and I and everybody else in the Altoona area and nationwide,” said Sgt. Benjamin Jones of the Altoona Police Department. “So that is essentially the biggest problem.”

Police urge all retail employees and managers to keep an eye out for counterfeit bills.  If you do come across one, try to obtain as much information as you can about the person trying to use it including a description of their vehicle and license plate.  Then call 9-1-1 immediately.