LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The Michigan Attorney General’s Office is warning people to be on the lookout after getting numerous reports of “prop money” being used to make purchases on Facebook Marketplace and other similar platforms.

Authorities warn that scammers will typically meet in person, use the fake money to buy something and then block the seller immediately after the sale.

“Even experienced sellers can be fooled by realistic prop money,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a Wednesday statement. “I urge Michiganders to slow down, verify cash carefully, and meet in safe locations when conducting online marketplace sales.”

(Michigan Department of the Attorney General)

The AG’s Office advised people making online deals to set up sale meetings a police stations and look carefully at each bill they get. It warned that scammers often solicit you unexpectedly and create a sense of urgency to push to into making a deal. They may also ask for payment via wire transfer or prepaid debit cards or gift cards.

If you realize you have been given fake money, call your local police and submit a complaint to the AG’s Consumer Protection Team either online, by calling 877.765.8388 or mailing the complaint to:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909

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