Police in Metro Detroit have a warning tonight.. fake money, made to be used as a prop, is passing as real cash and hurting businesses in Shelby Twp.
Shelby Twp. Police say they are on the lookout for fake money, being passed as real cash to businesses.
Police Chief Robert Shelide says over the past week two fake $100 bills were used at a Taco Bell.
"They're not just passing it to get free tacos, they're passing it to go in there and defraud the business out of $80, $90."
"As you know you can get anything on the internet, well this is not something people should be getting and trying to pass around the area."
At a quick glance the funny money seems similar to a real $100 bill, but upon closer inspection you can read "Cinematic Use Only" and "Cinematic Prop," even Benjamin Franklin is giving you a smirk in the fake.
It's advertised as prop money online, but it becomes a state and federal offense when people begin passing it as real currency.
"It's damaging to our entire system, our entire way of life here in America built on trust in that dollar bill," said Shelide. "If people violate that and counterfeit it, it corrupts the entire system."
The Police Department says crooks are targeting fast food, high volume businesses like Taco Bell, Starbucks and Panera Bread because the cashiers often have less time to double check for fake cash.
Investigators say they have already identified the man behind these two bills and charges are expected in the next week. He faces a 10 year felony for possession of counterfeit money.
Shelby Twp. Police say they have made several arrests in the past year in at least half a dozen cases of counterfeit money.
