NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. -- To the eye, this may look like a real $20 bill, but upon closer inspection it's clear that it's counterfeit. It's one of many bills New Hartford Police obtained last Wednesday after an incident at a local Staples.

Mohammad Masood Bahrami, 20, attempted to purchase printer paper and equipment with counterfeit money, equipment police say he intended to use to make fake bills. When suspicion arose, police say he left the business, but was followed by the store manager.

"He runs out, sees the person get into his vehicle. Got the plate down and notified us of the description of the person, the vehicle, and the plate number," said New Hartford Police Investigator Richard Salamone.

Which led to Bahrami's arrest and a search of his home. Police obtained his computer and printer, along with the remaining counterfeit money.

With modern technology, police say it's easier to try and pass off fake money, however most people don't actually put it into circulation.

"There's not a lot of them that go forward and try passing them afterwards, but it does happen, yes. That's why all the merchants have that pen to detect whether it's counterfeit or real," said Salamone.

That pen is what tipped the store clerk that it was indeed a counterfeit bill. Strangely enough, Bahrami had the real bill the whole time.

"This is the real $20 bill that he made copies of, and he was in possession of the real one the same time as the counterfeit one," said Salamone.

Bahrami was charged with one count of criminal possession of a forged instrument, along with petit larceny.

Bahrami is scheduled to reappear in New Hartford Town Court Tuesday afternoon where he could face additional charges.