Photo credit: Hiawatha Police Department

 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Police Department is warning businesses and residents to be on the lookout for counterfeit money being passed in the area.

In a social media post, police say someone has been using fake currency designed to look like 100-dollar bills. The bills have reportedly been passed at several locations, including Sonic, Golden Eagle Casino, and even to the City of Hiawatha.

Police say Citizen's State Bank is also aware of the situation.

The department reminds the public that the bills, sometimes referred to as "motion picture money," are not legal currency and cannot legally be used to purchase goods or pay debts.

According to the department, passing these bills as real money can result in criminal prosecution under Kansas law for offenses that may include counterfeiting, forgery or fraud. Federal law also prohibits counterfeiting and the use of counterfeit currency.

Police are encouraging businesses to carefully inspect bills they receive and remain alert for suspicious currency.

Anyone who encounters these bills is encouraged to contact law enforcement.