Sarasota police warn residents after counterfeit money found circulating in city

SARASOTA -- The Sarasota Police Department is warning residents about counterfeit money that has been found circulating in the city, according to a news release.

Detectives are investigating five separate cases that have occurred since Jan. 1.

The counterfeit bills have the words "For Motion Picture Use Only" stamped on them and are being passed off as real money.

The most notable differences on the counterfeit bills that distinguish them from real bills are:

Benjamin Franklin has a raised eyebrow.

Instead of "United States of America" it says "For Motion Picture Use Only."

The top of the bill says "One hundred" instead of "One Hundred Dollars."

Police say the currency has been available for purchase online for a low cost.

Anyone who comes in contact with this counterfeit currency can call the Sarasota Police Department at 941-366-8000 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.

This story was originally published May 10, 2016 at 3:19 PM with the headline "Sarasota police warn residents after counterfeit money found circulating in city ."