News Flash Home
The original item was published from 9/15/2021 2:29:18 PM to 9/24/2021 12:00:01 AM.

News Flash

City Manager Report

Posted on: September 13, 2021

[ARCHIVED] Police Warn of Movie Prop Money Used as Actual Currency

Movie Prop Money

Police are warning merchants and Las Cruces area residents of movie prop money that is being passed as actual currency.


Last weekend, the Las Cruces Police Department received two reports of movie prop money that was passed as legal tender. Las Cruces police have identified movie prop money in $20 denominations in two separate cases filed during the weekend. It’s common for movie prop money to be in larger denominations including $50 and $100 bills.


Movie prop money can have the same look as actual currency. But, in most instances, movie prop money does not have the same texture as actual cash. Prop money is intended to be used on camera so there is no need for the texture to feel like legitimate cash.


Movie prop money bills usually have slightly smaller dimensions than actual currency.


The Las Cruces Police Department strongly encourages merchants and residents to carefully inspect all denominations of currency before completing a cash transaction.


Movie prop money, though it looks authentic from afar, normally has wording that identifies it as faux currency. For example, print on movie prop money usually reads:

  • “For Motion Picture Use Only” along the top, front-face of the bill.
  • The word, “Copy” is normally printed on both sides of the bill.
  • “This Note Is Not Legal Tender” or “For Motion Picture Use Only” is normally printed on at least one side of the bill.
  • Often times the president’s name is omitted or changed.
  • Serial numbers are often the same on all movie prop money.

It is not illegal to possess movie prop money. However, passing movie prop money or any illegal currency could be classified as a felony offense or a federal crime depending on its use.


Anyone who receives suspected prop money or illegally manufactured bills as actual currency should call police immediately at 575/526-0795.

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in City Manager Report

Kids Expo

Kids EXPO 2023

Posted on: May 26, 2023
Model wearing dress made out of recycled items

Trashion Fashion Show

Posted on: May 25, 2023
Free Swim Days 2023

Free Swim Days 2023

Posted on: May 22, 2023
Photo of Downtown Las Cruces from sidewalk looking at the exterior signs of businesses.

SizeUp Business Tool

Posted on: May 15, 2023
People watching a movie in the park

2023 Movies in the Park

Posted on: May 11, 2023
Trails

Hiking Trails in the Southwest

Posted on: May 8, 2023
Shoulder Work

Las Cruces Dam Maintenance

Posted on: May 1, 2023
Son Como Son

2023 Mayor's Jazz Fest

Posted on: March 30, 2023
Volunteers picking up trash in front of colorful mural

Team Up to Clean Up 2023!

Posted on: January 19, 2023
Small toy tractor pushing alphabet block which read B I D

New Website Bid Module

Posted on: August 12, 2021