Police condemn unlawful use of fake money in New Jersey

In Camden County, New Jersey, the Gloucester Township Police Department is currently investigating reports of counterfeit bills that have been circulating in the area. The counterfeit money, commonly referred to as 'Hollywood' or 'Motion Picture' money, has been improperly used in attempts to make purchases at local businesses. This counterfeit currency closely resembles real U.S. currency, featuring similar textures, sizes, fonts, and imagery, which makes it challenging for people to identify them as fakes. The police issued warnings to local business owners about the emergence of this counterfeit money, which can be easily purchased online as props for films or music videos. The Gloucester Township Police Department emphasizes that these counterfeit bills are particularly deceptive. They are marked as 'For Motion Picture Use Only,' replacing standard textual elements found on genuine currency with phrases like 'Copy We Trust' instead of 'In God We Trust.' Despite their authentic appearance, these bills will not pass standard verification tests, such as those utilizing counterfeit detection pens or UV lights. According to Gloucester Township Police Lieutenant Paul Fisher, the police department has been alerted to several incidents involving this counterfeit currency circulating through both motor vehicle stops and reports from citizens and merchants in the area. Authorities encourage business owners and cashiers to be vigilant in validating the money received in transactions, especially for smaller denomination bills. The police released images of the counterfeit bills to assist in education and to raise awareness among local business operators and cash handlers. It is advised that employees use available resources to verify any currency being exchanged as this situation develops. The circulation of this counterfeit money has continued recently, sparking a need for ongoing vigilance and cooperation between local law enforcement and merchants. Detectives are working diligently to trace the source of these counterfeit bills through investigative techniques, including reviewing surveillance footage and collecting fingerprint evidence. As part of a broader effort to combat such counterfeit activities, the United States Secret Service has also been notified about the ongoing issues concerning the illegal use of counterfeit currency. The New Jersey statute defines the act of distributing counterfeit money as a forgery, which constitutes a third-degree indictable offense. Individuals caught engaging in such criminal activities face severe legal consequences, including up to five years in prison along with hefty fines. As the investigation unfolds, the police urge anyone encountering suspicious currency to report it immediately to local law enforcement.