The booming movie industry in Georgia apparently has launched another side business – fake movie money scams. Last week Gwinnett County police issued a lookout for a couple suspected of using more than $1000 in movie money at a Buford Walmart.
Now, Cornelia police are urging local businesses to beware.
On a post to its Facebook page, the Cornelia PD says it’s received several complaints of fake $100 bills being used at local businesses.
The bills in both instances – Gwinnett and locally – are marked “FOR MOTION PICTURE USE ONLY.”
In the Gwinnett County case, police say the man and woman (seen here) used the movie cash to purchase lawn equipment from a Walmart in Buford. The woman then returned one of the items to a different store and was refunded cash because the fraud had not yet been detected.
While there is no indication these incidents are related, Cornelia Police urge local businesses to watch out for potential fraud. “We are recommending that businesses be vigilant when it comes to cash and potential fraud by using security pens and checking bills for the proper water marks,” writes CPD Chief Chad Smith.
Counterfeit bills turning up in Toccoa
Meanwhile, police in Toccoa are dealing with their own counterfeit problems.
According to WNEG Radio, approximately $600 in counterfeit money has been spent at stores in Toccoa over the past several weeks. Denominations being used include $20, $50 and $100 bills. Toccoa Police Chief Tim Jarrell tells WNEG that businesses are being targeted at peak hours in many cases. He says some of the fake bills have already been marked to appear as though they’ve previously been checked by a counterfeit pen.
Jarell urges businesses to check bills carefully: Make sure the paper feels the same as an authentic bill, check bills with a counterfeit pen (even if they’re already marked) and use a background light to check for the security strip.
RELATED: Toccoa Police investigate counterfeit money case
If you have any information on these crimes, contact Cornelia Police at 706-778-4314 or Toccoa Police at 706-282-3244.
