Gainesville Police are warning business to be careful not to fall for "movie money" that scammers might be trying to pass as real currency.
The bills (see photo) often look very convincing at first glance, but have "for motion picture use only" clearly printed on both sides. The bills can be purchased online fairly easily, as they are intended to be movie props.
"In the past few weeks, there have been several instances of 'movie money' being passed at local businesses," said Sgt. Kevin Holbrook, Gainesville Police spokesman, in a statement.
Anyone caught trying to pass the bills as legitimate currency will be prosecuted with felony charges, said Holbrook.
In August, three suspects, including a store employee, allegedly passed $1,000 in phony bills at a Buford Walmart to purchase lawn equipment, which was then returned to a different store for a refund.
A loss prevention officer at the first store was able to detect the fake bills.
Two of the suspects in that case turned themselves in shortly after police identified them, while a third remains at large.
