Authorities Warn of Counterfeit $100 Bills in Circulation in Key West and Florida Keys

Residents in the Florida Keys, take note: your wallet might be housing more than just your regular cash. According to warnings issued by local authorities, counterfeit $100 bills have been floating around the Lower Keys and Key West. These fake notes, originally created for the silver screen, are now turning up in real-life transactions, as WSVN reported.

Despite their design for cinematic illusion, these bills bear the risk of deception, they look real enough at first glance and this isn't the first time authorities have raised the flag – a prior incident with counterfeit $20s was also reported in September. Monroe County Sheriff's Office has stepped into the spotlight, shedding light on these faux banknotes that are marked distinctly with "for motion picture purposes" and "not legal tender."

In a news release quoted by CBS News Miami, Sheriff Rick Ramsay emphasized community vigilance: "Please help us spread the word." The fake currency, showcasing "PROP MOVIE MONEY," "COPY," and "USED FOR MOVIE GAME" in clear view, should be a giveaway of their illegitimacy.

The prop money has a fake seal that reads “United States Motion Picture Purpose” instead of the real U.S. Treasury emblem, and it still shows Benjamin Franklin’s face like a real $100 bill. The sheriff’s office explained that, even though these bills look convincing, they are only props and have no real value. They also shared a photo showing the key signs to spot the fake bills, helping residents and businesses avoid being scammed. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious $100 bills they encounter.