In-N-Out Scammers Hit A Dozen Locations With Counterfeit Bills: Police

Police on Friday announced the arrest of two people accused of using counterfeit money at a dozen Southern California In-N-Out locations.

Police in Glendale were clued into what they called a "a broader pattern targeting In-N-Out locations" in Los Angeles and Orange counties after responding to a report of counterfeit money at a Glendale In-N-Out restaurant in October, according to the Glendale Police Department.

"Investigators learned that the suspects had successfully victimized approximately a dozen restaurants by using counterfeit bills, resulting in financial losses and operational disruptions to the business," police said.

Later that month, authorities arrested Auriona Lewis, 24, of Long Beach, in Palmdale. Lewis was in possession of counterfeit bills that matched those used at the Glendale In-N-Out, police claim.

She also had in her possession "numerous gift cards and transaction receipts believed to be connected to similar fraudulent activity," police said.

Police shared copies of two In-N-Out receipts, one of which showed the to-go purchase of a Flying Dutchman, a "secret menu item" for $5.93. The other transaction was an eat-in order of fries for $2.53.

The receipts show both orders were purchased with $100 bills, suggesting the transactions allowed the suspects to leave with a large amount of authentic currency given as change.

The other suspect, Tatiyanna Foster, 26, of Long Beach, was arrested on Dec. 15, police said.

Lewis was charged in November with felony counterfeiting and grand theft counts, to which she pleaded not guilty. She's due back in court in Pasadena on Jan. 20, when a date will be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for her to stand trial. She is no longer in custody.

Charges against Foster are pending. She remains jailed without bail due to a possible violation of probation stemming from a prior burglary case, according to court and jail records.

City News Service contributed to this report.