(WWJ) A sizeable haul of counterfeit cash has been confiscated by Michigan State Police following an investigation that began a couple of months ago in Livingston County.
According to officials with the MSP First District, back on March 28, Brighton Post troopers were dispatched to a home in Brighton Twp. on complaint about a theft involving counterfeit money.
The victims told police that a man had bought a drone from them for $800, and paid with cash.
The victims later discovered that the money was fake, and they called police.
Troopers launched and investigation and developed some possible suspects in the case, MSP said.
Detectives found that the suspects were buying items through various online marketplaces, meeting with the sellers, and paying with counterfeit cash.
The investigation also found that other police agencies in Livingston and Oakland County had ongoing counterfeit money investigations involving the same suspects.
On Friday, May 23, police served a search warrant at a Brighton Twp. home and seized over $100,000 in counterfeit cash, along with cell phones and a computer, MSP said.
The suspects' names were not immediately released, but Michigan State Police Lt. Rene Gonzalez said "numerous people" could face charges when the investigation is complete.
Speaking to WWJ Newsradio 950's Jon Hewett, Gonzalez urged the public to keep an eye out for funny money the could fool you.
"Money is made in a special paper," Gonzalez said. "So, what I suggest to a lot of people — you can get it at Staples or any type of office store — is a pen that will tell you if money is counterfeit. Carry it with you."
"If you make a purchase from somebody, maybe their feelings get hurt, I don't know, but at least you're protecting yourself. But you draw the pen on that money and it's gonna tell you if it's counterfeit or not."
At this point, Gonzalez said no one is in custody as the Livingston County Prosecutor reviews the case.