The Ministry of Public Security has disclosed five cases involving counterfeiting currency and urged the public to stay vigilant against fake bills.

In a statement released Monday, the ministry said that since October 2023, a person surnamed Cheng, a person surnamed Yang and others produced and processed counterfeit currency using printers and other equipment purchased online. They then sold the fake currency to buyers in other regions.

Under the command of the ministry's economic crime investigation bureau, police in several provinces and cities dismantled eight hideouts where counterfeit currency was produced and seized more than 2 million yuan ($281,148) in fake bills, according to the statement. Police also captured 15 suspects, including Cheng.

In another case, a group led by a person surnamed He allegedly bought computers, color printers and paper cutters to counterfeit and sell large numbers of 50-yuan bills starting in May 2024. Purchasers used the fake money to deceive shops and older adults in villages by tricking them into accepting counterfeit notes and making change, the statement said.

Police confiscated about 1.65 million yuan in fake 50-yuan bills. A court in Xuyong county, Sichuan province, sentenced He and others on March 10 for counterfeiting currency.

Despite the widespread use of electronic payment, the ministry warned the public to remain cautious to avoid losses from counterfeit currency.