It might pay to keep a closer eye on cash you collect in transactions, especially if they are covered in red Chinese characters on the front and the back.

Identification of counterfeit cash came too late for the operator of a Newton Falls bar over the weekend.

The bartender working at the Chit Chat Lounge on North Center Street told a deputy that it was so busy Friday night and early Saturday, she didn’t notice until later Saturday that the five, $20 bills handed to her were phony.

The bills appear to be authentic, other than the Chinese lettering printed in red ink.

The bartender told investigators she’s not sure who passed the funny money, but they’ll check security video to see if there any clues.