A sophisticated counterfeiting operation was uncovered thanks to a drone sale gone awry.
A $100,000 counterfeit money scheme was brought to light after a suspect purchased a drone through Facebook Marketplace, inadvertently leading Michigan authorities to their hideout.
Lieutenant Rene Gonzalez of the Brighton Police Department recounted how the investigation began when a victim advertised her drone for sale at $800 on the online platform. When the buyer arrived at her home in late March and completed the cash transaction, everything seemed normal at first. However, upon returning inside, the woman realized the money she had received was counterfeit and immediately contacted the police.
The authorities subsequently identified the suspect and executed a search warrant at a residence in Brighton Township. During the search, they seized approximately $100,000 in counterfeit cash, along with a laptop and multiple cell phones believed to be connected to the counterfeiting operation.
Law enforcement agencies in Livingston and Oakland counties are also investigating similar incidents, indicating the presence of a larger network.
According to the Federal Reserve, approximately $30 million in counterfeit money is in circulation – roughly one fake bill for every 40,000 genuine ones. This marks a significant decline from 2006, when the ratio stood at one in 10,000.
The decrease is attributed to increasingly sophisticated anti-counterfeiting measures. However, scammers continue to exploit direct cash transactions, especially through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp.
To avoid falling prey to counterfeit money scams in direct transactions, Lieutenant Gonzalez offers practical advice: choose a safe meeting place (such as a police station), carefully examine cash (especially high-denomination bills), use counterfeit detection pens or UV lights, and refuse the transaction if you have any doubts.
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