Police Warn about Fake Cash Being Distributed in the Hudson Valley

Police are warning local residents about fake cash that is being used over the Hudson Valley.

Kingston Police posted a picture on their Facebook to warn business owners and those that regularly handle cash to pay particular attention!

In the photo (pictured above) two $20 bills are seen. The top $20 bill is real, or at least the posting officer thinks it’s real as it came from the officer’s pocket.

The bottom bill is what police say is “Motion Picture Money.” In this particular case, to make the fake cash look more realistic, the criminal gave the bill a tattered appearance. The fake twenty was folded, taped in the middle, and crumpled up.

Police say in a busy or dark environment a cashier may take the fake money it without giving a second look!

Motion picture money comes in all denominations $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. So keep your eyes open, officials warn.

Motion picture money, or prop money, is designed for advertising, photography, and media productions. It’s easily available for purchase online, but is not supposed to be passed as real currency. Some fake bills have 'MOTION PICTURE USE ONLY' printed on the back.

Purposely trying to pass off counterfeit money is a felony offense. It's punishable by up to ten years in prison and as much as a $100,000 fine.

Anyone with information is asked to call police.