Despite attempts to maintain high profits through downsizing cookie boxes [1], the Girl Scouts of America are not immune to the poor economy. MSNBC reports a dramatic decline in cookie sales [2] with some troops selling 35 percent less cookies than they did last year. Although the institution lowered its cookie-selling goal in anticipation of the recession, Girl Scouts is nowhere near its goal.

Not only are the Girl Scouts having a hard time getting people to purchase cookies, it's also being plagued by counterfeit currency [3]. Fake $20 bills were use to buy cookies from several troops in the Bremerton, WA, area. No suspects have been named, but many troops now employ a special pen that detects fake bills.

While I'm not shocked by the decline in sales, I was surprised to hear about the fake money. I don't understand how anyone could cheat young girls who are raising money for a good cause. How do you feel about the matter? Has the recession changed your Girl Scout cookie purchasing habits?

The Official Girl Scout Cookies Flickr Group [4]