Beaufort Businesses on High Alert for Prop Money Use

News Summary

Beaufort is facing concerns over the rising use of prop money in local businesses, as reported by the Beaufort Police Department. With instances noted since January, including counterfeit bills used in transactions, the community is urged to remain vigilant. Local business owners are being educated on how to spot prop money and are given essential tips to avoid losing revenue. The police have requested that encounters with counterfeit money be reported swiftly to ensure community safety.

Beaufort Businesses on Alert for Prop Money Use

Beaufort has recently been buzzing with chatter as the Beaufort Police Department raises the alarm regarding an increase in the use of prop money at local businesses. This might sound a bit puzzling, especially if the thought of Monopoly money comes to mind, but there’s more to it than that!

What’s Prop Money Anyway?

So, what exactly is prop money? While it’s not quite the same as the bright, colorful bills you might find in a board game, it serves the same purpose in the film industry. This kind of money, often used to make scenes look real, can look surprisingly believable. The catch here is that prop money has some specific markings to differentiate it from the real thing. When misrepresented as actual cash for a purchase, it transforms into a crime.

The Rise of Fake Bills

Since January 1, the Beaufort Police have been notified of three incidents where prop money was allegedly used within city limits. One notable case occurred on January 11, where a counterfeit $100 bill showed up at a Subway on Parris Island Gateway in Port Royal. It’s unclear whether these instances are honest mistakes or part of larger schemes, which makes the situation all the more concerning.

Interestingly, investigators have noted a drop in similar reports. Master Sgt. Danny Allen of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has shared that deputies haven’t observed any recent counterfeit currency transactions. However, the issue of counterfeit money isn’t something to brush aside as it continues to be a persistent problem.

Spotting Prop Money

The Beaufort Police Department isn’t just stopping with the warning; they are also armoring local business owners with essential tips on how to spot prop money. Here are several key indicators to watch out for:

• Phrases carefully printed on the bills, such as “For motion picture use only” or “This note is not legal tender.”
• The absence or alteration of a president’s name on the bill, raising a red flag.
• Identical serial numbers on multiple bills, which is a common giveaway.
• Missing security features like color-shifting ink, watermarks, and raised printing.
• A crest that reads “We are United” instead of the correct “United States Federal Reserve System.”

Seeing these signs could save businesses from potential losses, particularly during busy rush hours when a rush of customers makes it easy for things to slip past unnoticed.

Combatting Counterfeit Cash

The problem gets trickier considering how accessible fake money can be. For instance, a quick browse online will show a 300-piece set of imitation $100 bills selling for a mere $15. This ease of access has undoubtedly played a part in the recent uptick in prop money use in Beaufort.

What To Do If You Spot Counterfeit Money

If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of encountering counterfeit money, the Beaufort Police are urging residents to act swiftly. You should reach out to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency line at 843-524-2777. Timeliness can be key in addressing the issue.

A Community Effort

While representatives from Bluffton and Port Royal police departments haven’t provided any information on similar cases in their areas, it’s always wise for the community to remain vigilant. Awareness and education about spotting prop money are crucial steps in combatting the issue. Unity in vigilance can make all the difference!

Let’s keep our beloved Beaufort safe and free from pesky counterfeiters. Together, we can build a community that knows how to spot these tricky counterfeit bills and stay one step ahead of the game!

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Additional Resources

• AOL: Beaufort Cops Warn of Prop Money
• Wikipedia: Counterfeit Money
• Island Packet: Beaufort News Article 1
• Google Search: Prop Money
• Island Packet: Beaufort News Article 2
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Counterfeit
• Island Packet: Beaufort News Article 3
• Google News: Beaufort Prop Money