Online Drone Sale Leads To $100K Counterfeit Cash Bust: Michigan State Police

BRIGHTON, MI — More than $100,000 in counterfeit money was seized from a Brighton home last month, according to Michigan State Police.

Troopers began looking into the home in March when a Brighton resident told them she was paid fake cash for a drone, police said.

The victim told investigators a man agreed to buy the drone and paid $800 for it. The victim then discovered the cash used for the purchase was fake and contacted police.

According to state police, investigators learned the suspect, along with others, reached out to sellers on various online marketplaces. Police said the suspect would then meet the sellers in person and use the counterfeit cash to make the purchase.

Investigators also learned that nearby police agencies in Livingston County and Oakland County had ongoing investigations dealing with counterfeit purchases, and the suspects are believed to be involved.

"There’s a lot of scammers out there, and Facebook is just another avenue for them to work off of. So what I suggest to people, just like banks and stores use, if you give them a hundred dollars, they’re going to take a pen out and draw a line across that bill to ensure that it’s real," Lieutenant Rene Gonzalez told WXYZ.

Troopers searched the Brighton home on May 23 and seized more than $100,000 in counterfeit money, cellphones and a computer, police said.

No arrests were immediately made as the investigation continues. Once the investigation is complete, a request for charges will be sent to the Livingston County Prosecutor for review.