ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Carter County Sheriff’s Office is warning businesses of an ongoing counterfeit money scheme.

The sheriff’s office said several businesses have been targeted in recent months, particularly in the Roan Mountain and Hampton areas. Cases have also been reported in nearby North Carolina.

“As part of the scheme, a subject comes into the business and makes a small purchase, typically less than $5,” the sheriff’s office said in a release. “The subject then pays for the purchase with a counterfeit $50 or $100 bill. In some instances, while making the purchase, the subject has asked the cashier if they will break another large bill for them.”

In one case, a suspect entered a store and conducted the scheme before exiting, changing clothes, and conducting the scheme again, according to the sheriff’s office.

Security camera video has shown that at least two suspects are involved in the scam, and both were seen driving the same vehicle, believed to be a white or silver early 2000s Volkswagen Toareg.

Businesses are encouraged to be on the lookout for suspicious-looking bills and possibly limit accepting large bills for small purchases.

Anyone who has fallen victim to the scheme or has information on the suspects is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 423-542-1896 or submit a tip online.