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Authorities investigating counterfeit ConnectCards

PITTSBURGH — Authorities said Thursday that police have several pending arrests in connection to a fraud case involving the Port Authority of Allegheny County.

According to police, at least four people have been manufacturing counterfeit ConnectCard bus and “T” passes.

“We’ve encountered four passes used to make fraudulent cards,” Port Authority Police Detective Kevin Atkins said.

Investigators told Channel 11’s Jodine Costanzo that the cards can be reloaded with money, and those responsible have been getting away with it for a while.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

Officials told Costanzo that this situation will not cause the bus fares to go up.

They also warned people not to buy a ConnectCard on the street. It’s only safe to buy from a legitimate place, like the Port Authority or Giant Eagle.

Authorities said not only will the people who made the cards face charges, but those who use them may also be charged.