Some East Texas law officers have warned businesses to be on the lookout for counterfeit money meant for use in movies.
Police are investigating several cases of fake movie cash passed in Lufkin, Diboll and Jasper, The Longview News-Journal reported Tuesday.
Ken Hartley, who's a security and loss prevention officer at Texas Bank and Trust, says it's amazing how the bills look like U.S. currency -- until you get to the side where it says "For Motion Picture Use Only."
Experts say fake movie money, which can be bought online, also lacks certain cash markings.
Hartley said the fake money is most often being used at convenience stores and fast-food restaurants because cashiers at such businesses are often too busy to look closely at the bills. He said that a few bills have gone through the bank through deposit and they've been turned over to the Secret Service for investigation.
Gregg County Sheriff's Office spokesman Josh Tubb says the agency is investigating two cases, in recent months, in which movie money was passed off as real. Tubb declined to provide details.
The Paris Police Department has issued a notice for residents to be on the lookout for the counterfeit money.
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"Local businesses have been the target of passing these fake bills thus far, but attempts could be made to pass them anywhere, so please be diligent and inspect all currency when received," the department said.
