BOULDER — Billions of counterfeit dollars are being funneled into circulation, taking American merchants by surprise, recent statistics show.

“The Merchant’s Protection Guide,” written by a Beverly Hills Police Department detective can help merchants deal with counterfeiters and other crime problems. Writer Paul Edholm has more than 25 years experience fighting fraud. He provides merchants with numerous suggestions to protect their businesses from shoplifters, bad checks, counterfeit currency and credit card fraud.

Most merchants lack up-to-date information and strategies to protect their businesses from criminals, Edholm suggests.

The book is available for $5, plus $1 for postage and handling. To order, call (310) 659-1048, or mail a check to Amistad Publishers, PO Box 11355, Beverly Hills, Calif., 90213.