FAIRFIELD, Calif. — Some people in Solano County weren’t willing to pay the price for Girl Scout cookies in a scam that’s caught the attention of the Secret Service.
Jennifer Brantley, spokesperson with the Fairfield Police Department, followed details online to learn Girl Scouts in Solano County were being scammed.
“It’s just heartbreaking. These are children; you are taking advantage of children,” said Brantley.
After reaching out to a family that posted, Fairfield Police Department found three separate troops were given counterfeit $100 bills.
“All three happened in February, one was based out of Vacaville and two troops were based out of Fairfield,” said Brantley.
It happened at three different locations across the county, two Lowes parking lots and in front of a Peet’s Coffee.
“The object of passing counterfeit money is to get real money in return. In both cases, the person came across extremely genuine just wanting to support the girl scout troops,” said Brantley.
The troops didn’t realize it until it was too late, and they were informed by the bank the bills were fake. It happened last year to the same troop.
The CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern California Bri Seoane which oversees the troops that were giver counterfeit bills responded to ABC10 with the following statement:
We are deeply disheartened to hear about the incidents involving counterfeit bills that were provided as payment for cookies at select Girl Scout troops. Cookie sales concluded on March 24, 2024 in Northern California – we have a policy of not accepting bills over $20 to protect our troops and their efforts. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the cookie program are used locally to provide critical funds for girls’ access to affordable programming, the outdoors, camp and program centers, STEM, financial aid, and volunteer support services. Girl Scouts and their troops depend on these funds to support their community service efforts. If individuals in the community want to help support local Girl Scouts, visit https://www.gsnorcal.org/donate to make a contribution.
ABC10 also asked if the Girl Scouts stepped in to help the seller or if the family is stuck with the cost, but the inquiry was not immediately returned.
A neighboring council Girl Scouts Heart of Central California said they were upset to hear the news, Chief Operating Officer Marcella Cooper said no counterfeit bills were passed to their scouts this season.
“It’s just really upsetting and disturbing to hear,” said Cooper.
Cooper said it shortchanges the Girl Scouts of future experiences.
“Girl Scouts are selling cookies as part of the entrepreneurial program and so the money that they earn really fuels their whole entire years’ experience from going camping to field trips, including summer camp,” said Cooper.
The Fairfield Police Department financial scams unit is investigating the issue. Due to the counterfeit bills, the Secret Service is also investigating.
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