RENTON, Wash. — Scammers are using prop money used in movies to purchase items in Renton.
Quick Facts:
- Fake $100s recovered in robbery, private sale in Renton
- Seattle police have had at least 1 case involving bills
- Money is used in films in place of real currency
- Can be purchased online
Renton officers say they recovered some fake bills while investigating a robbery. In another case, the victim arranged to sell a suspect an expensive pair of shoes. The suspect handed the victim the money and grabbed the shoes, fleeing before the victim realized he had been scammed.
At first glance, the prop bills involved in the Renton cases are very similar to real $100 bills. But the prominent distinction is on the top of the back of the bill with the phrase “MOTION PICTURE USE ONLY” in place of “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
Police say even the seal on the front left of the bill appears to be very similar to the seal on real U.S. currency. On the fake currency, the top of the round seal says, “UNITED WE STAND,” but on the bottom it says, “FOR MOTION PICTURE.”
The sequencing and spacing of the serial numbers are similar to real bills with 13 total characters.
Seattle Police had one case. They recovered six $100 fake bills that were clearly labeled as prop money.
They were passed off during a meeting set up on Offer Up to buy a laptop, according to police. This case was reported on August 17 and is still active.
Renton police say the realistic looking bills are available for sale online. A stack of 100 fake $100 bills cost about $30.
Police encourage people selling items to strangers to meet at a police station to help thwart scams.
Anyone who encounters the prop money is asked to call 911.
KIRO
