Beaufort Residents Warned About Prop Money Usage

News Summary

Residents in Beaufort are being alerted to a rise in the use of prop money during transactions. Local police report multiple incidents where fake bills were accepted. Prop money, while legal to possess when used for entertainment purposes, becomes illegal if used as real currency. Police urge the community to be vigilant in checking cash for security features and report any suspicious activity to aid law enforcement.

Beaufort Residents Alerted to Rise in Use of Prop Money

Folks in Beaufort, it’s time to pay a little more attention to the cash in your pockets! The local police department is getting the word out about an unsettling trend that’s on the rise: the use of prop money in everyday transactions. While it may not look quite like the bright, colorful Monopoly money we all know, this imitation currency can still fool unsuspecting vendors and buyers.

What Is Prop Money?

Now, let’s break it down. Prop money is designed for use in movies, theater productions, or advertising, and it’s actually legal to own. However, the trouble comes when these fake bills are passed off as real currency, which is, of course, illegal. It seems innocent enough to have some for a school play or a movie shoot, but when you pull out that fake bill at the local coffee shop, you could be setting yourself up for trouble!

Recent Incidents in Beaufort

Since the beginning of the year, Beaufort police have already received reports of three instances where prop money was used in purchases within city limits. The police are not yet sure if the users of this fake money are just mistaken or if they’re actively trying to scam businesses. One notable incident occurred on January 11, when a counterfeit $100 bill was presented at a Subway in nearby Port Royal. How unsettling is that?

Stay Vigilant and Look for Clues

So what can you do to protect yourself and your business? The police department is urging everyone to be on the lookout for specific signs that indicate you might be dealing with prop money. Here’s what to watch out for:

Look for phrases such as “For motion picture use only”. If you see this text, it’s a clear indicator that it’s not real cash.
Check for any altered or absent president’s names. Real bills will always have the correct names on them, so take a moment to check.
Similar serial numbers are a big red flag! Each legitimate bill has its own unique serial number.
Pay attention to security features. If they’re missing or don’t seem right, you may be looking at a fake.
Look closely at the crest on the bill; incorrect wording can also be a telltale sign.

What To Do If You Encounter Fake Bills

If you do happen to come across any dubious cash, it’s important to report it. Residents can contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office through their non-emergency line at 843-524-2777. Reporting these incidents not only helps you but also assists local law enforcement in catching those trying to deceive others.

Availability of Fake Bills and Precautions

It’s surprising but true: fake bills are easily available online. For instance, a set of 300 imitation $100 bills can be snagged for roughly $15 on online platforms! This ease of access increases the likelihood that people may try to use them without realizing the implications.

Interestingly, representatives from the Bluffton and Port Royal police departments have not commented on whether they have seen similar issues. That just leaves us with more questions than answers!

Keep Your Cash Safe!

As our community faces this rising concern, it’s crucial for everyone—business owners and residents alike—to stay cautious and well-informed. Checking out the cash you receive may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it could save you from a major hassle down the line. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry, right? So the next time you reach for your wallet, make sure you keep a keen eye on those bills!