'Prop Money' Hits Circulation: Palm Springs Police Issue Warning

PALM SPRINGS, CA — Funny money has circulated in the desert, and Palm Springs police are advising the public to check their bills twice.

In the most recent Aug. 23 incident, 29-year-old Justin Weeks of Desert Hot Springs was arrested after trying to pass a fake $100 bill with "Motion Picture Purposes" printed on it. He used the counterfeit note at a local liquor store to buy $30 in lottery tickets, police reported.

During the transaction, Weeks received $70 in change but the clerk quickly realized the $100 bill was a fake and got the lottery tickets and $70 back — then called Palm Springs police.

When officers caught up with Weeks, he was cruising in a vehicle purchased with $2,000 worth of “prop currency” — fake money. He was also found with $31,670 in counterfeit currency when Palm Springs police nabbed him, the law enforcement agency reported.

"During questioning by PSPD, Weeks admitted to purchasing the 'prop money' on websites such as propmoney.com, where you can buy 100 bills of $100 denominations ($10,000 total), for $24.99," the police department reported. "Upon first look, the money looks very real, so PSPD is asking you to inspect any cash you handle very carefully."

The police department offered these tips for spotting funny money:

—Check the bottom right-hand corner of any bill of $5 or more for color-shifting ink. If it’s authentic, the number shifts from green to black or from gold to green when tilted.
—Check the watermark. It should only be visible when you hold the bill up to the light. If there is no watermark, or if it’s visible without being held up to the light, it’s most likely counterfeit.
—Take a close look for any blurry borders, printing or text on the bill. If you can’t read the microprinting under a magnifying glass, it’s most likely counterfeit.
—Inspect the texture of the bill for raised printing, which is hard for counterfeiters to duplicate.
—Look for tiny red and blue threads woven into the fabric of the bill. If they appear only on the surface level, the bill is likely fake.

If you believe you have been a victim of a money scam, you can contact PSPD Investigations at 760-323-8121 or share anonymous tips by calling Crime Stoppers at 760-347-7867.

Additionally, are you missing a Gotrax scooter? When Weeks was arrested, he was found with a scooter that police believe was stolen. If you have proof the scooter might belong to you, contact Lt. Erik Larson at 760-323-8121.