CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. - The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office says tough economic times could be contributing to an increase in funny money being passed around.

The Sheriff's Office says they're seeing at least two reports everyday of people trying to pass off counterfeit bills as the real thing. On Sunday, workers at Super Day Express Deli and Gas Station in Englewood, caught a customer trying to use a counterfeit bill.

"The colors were a little bit darker and it didn't look right," says employee Joshua Farnam.

Farnam tested the bill using a counterfeit money detector. The marker immediately turned the bill dark black, indicating it was fake.

"I told them I can't take this it looks funny and he just tried convincing me it was real," says Farnam.

The man ran out the door. Now, deputies are using the store's surveillance video to identify him. Farnam says he'll be using that pen on any bill that looks suspicious.

"I just thought it was crazy because I've never had it happen," says Farnam.

On Monday, the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office arrested 19-year-old Brittany Rudewicz for trying to use a fake $20-dollar bill at a BP gas station in Englewood. The Sheriff's Office has not said if the two incidents are connected.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office at (941) 639-0013.