Fake Fortune! Hundreds of Counterfeit $100 Bills Scatter Across Eau Gallie Blvd
If you were driving down Eau Gallie Boulevard yesterday afternoon, you might have witnessed what appeared to be a scene straight out of a movie – hundreds of $100 bills scattered across the roadway, causing quite the commotion as drivers pulled over to grab what they thought was free money.
But here’s the twist that’s got everyone talking: those crisp Benjamin Franklins weren’t the real deal.
The Great Money Drop: What Actually Happened
Around 3 PM yesterday, Melbourne residents reported seeing what appeared to be hundreds of $100 bills blowing across Eau Gallie Boulevard near the Wickham Road intersection. As you might expect, traffic quickly came to a standstill as opportunistic drivers and pedestrians rushed to scoop up the unexpected windfall.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” said local resident Maria Johnson, who witnessed the scene. “People were abandoning their cars in the middle of the road, running between traffic. It was absolute chaos.”
But the excitement was short-lived for those who stopped to collect the cash.
Movie Money Mayhem
Melbourne Police Department has confirmed that the bills were actually prop money, likely used for film productions or photography purposes. These realistic-looking notes typically have phrases like “FOR MOTION PICTURE USE ONLY” or “COPY” printed on them – details easily missed in the excitement of finding what appears to be free money.
If you were among those who stopped to collect some of this “free money,” I hate to burst your bubble, but what you’ve got is essentially worthless – at least at the bank.
How to Spot Fake Money
This incident serves as a good reminder about how to identify counterfeit currency:
- Feel the texture – Real bills have a distinct texture due to raised printing
- Check for security features – Look for color-shifting ink, security threads, and watermarks
- Examine the printing – Authentic bills have sharp, clear printing
- Look for disclaimers – Movie props often state “FOR MOTION PICTURE USE ONLY” somewhere on the bill
Legal Implications: What You Should Know
While it might seem like a harmless souvenir, the Melbourne Police Department reminds residents that knowingly trying to spend prop money as real currency is considered fraud and can lead to serious legal consequences. If you collected any of these bills, they recommend you turn them in at the local police station.
Who’s Behind the Money Drop?
Authorities are still investigating the source of the fake cash. Was it an accident? A publicity stunt? A film crew that got more than they bargained for when their props went airborne? The Melbourne Police Department is reviewing traffic cameras in the area to identify the source.
One thing’s for certain – it’s not every day that money seemingly falls from the sky in Brevard County.
Local Reactions
The incident has become the talk of the town, sparking numerous memes and jokes on local social media groups.
“Only in Melbourne would people stop traffic for movie money,” commented one resident on the community Facebook page.
What Should You Do If You Found Some?
If you were one of the lucky (or not-so-lucky) people who collected these fake bills, you have a few options:
- Turn them in at the local police station
- Keep them as a unique souvenir from this bizarre local event
- Use them as props for your own photos (just don’t try to spend them!)
The Bright Side
While finding out that your newfound “wealth” is actually worthless might be disappointing, at least you’ve got a great story to tell at your next barbecue. And hey – in today’s social media-driven world, a good story might be worth more than a handful of fake hundreds anyway!
Have you spotted any of this fake money around Melbourne? Did you witness the great money drop on Eau Gallie Boulevard? Share your experience in the comments below!
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