NEW BRAUNFELS – New Braunfels police are warning city residents and businesses, and those in surrounding areas: Don't be fooled by fake movie money.
On Tuesday, officials with the New Braunfels Police Department said it is receiving an alarming number of reports of people getting duped by the fake money.
The money meant to be a novelty is being to used to steal property or services, NBPD officials said.
In photos shared by the Police Department, a $100 bill is seen with pink Chinese symbols on the front and back of it.
Another $100 bill is seen with writing that says, "For motion pictures purposes."
DON’T BE FOOLED BY FAKE MOVIE MONEY!! Over the last few weeks, the New Braunfels Police Department has seen an increase...
Posted by New Braunfels Police Department on Tuesday, August 13, 2019
The Police Department shared helpful tints on what look for when spotting fake currency.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Fake bills can look extremely similar to real bills unless you know what to look for. While it may seem obvious, sometimes it’s the obvious that goes undetected.
WHAT TO DO
In a statement, the United States Secret Service said they have seen in the San Antonio-area a rising trend of people using fake money.
"The San Antonio area typically has approximately $1 million in counterfeit notes passed per year (all denominations) in the community, and our Secret Service San Antonio Field Office works diligently with our state and local partners in investigating/prosecuting the suspects who manufacture and pass the counterfeit notes. We have investigated numerous passes of the 'Motion Picture' notes as well as the 'Chinese Character' notes at various businesses in the San Antonio District so we can say for certain that they are being used fraudulently and in a 'deceptive manner' which is one of the considerations for charging a suspect with possession and or passing. In addition, the Motion Picture/Chinese Character Notes are the same linear dimensions as genuine Federal Reserve Notes and are printed on both sides which is a major factor in classifying them as counterfeit US Currency."
A spokesperson for the Secret Service said the fake money is "showing up and being passed all over the country, and we have seen them here in San Antonio and various other municipalities throughout South Texas."
To learn how to spot fake bills, click here to visit the Secret Service's website.