Gotta give 'em their props: What'll they think of next?

The front of the phony $20, below right, the back. (Courtesy photos)

ROCHESTER - Rochester Police report there's some funny money going around, but it's not counterfeit. It's novelty printings of currency that clearly state right on it that it's not real.

In just a month, some five incidents have been reported to police, who can't be sure whether the people passing them are innocent victims or conmen.

In the cases now being investigated the faux money clearly states on it either "For motion picture use only" or "Replica," Rochester Police Capt. Jason Thomas said today.

The most recent spate of incidents began on March 5 when some individuals passed several phony $20s that said on them, "For Motion Picture Use Only." In that case, the persons offering the fake bills were trying to purchase a money order at the Cumberland Farms on Knight Street; they left when told the bills were no good.

A day later an individual tried to use the same type of phony $20 at the Washington Street Shell. Again, they were told it was no good, this time keeping the phony bill.

Then on March 2, the GameStop video game store took in three $100 bills that said "Replica" on them, said Thomas, who indicated Citizens Bank detected them when accepting a deposit.

The most recent occurred on Wednesday and Thursday, first at the Sunoco on Charles Street where a phony "Replica" $100 was detected; and then on Thursday at Sally Beauty Supply at Rochester Crossings, which was also offered a "Replica" $100. In both the latter incidents, the would-be passer left with the fake bills.

Thomas said it's too early in the investigation to determine if this is an organized ring, but police are becoming concerned in the uptick of incidents.

Police are asking merchants to make sure they're looking at the obvious things like having "Replica" of "For Motion Picture Use Only" printed on them as well as other security measures.

The thing that makes it easier than you might think to miss the irregularities is that - at least in the case of the $20s - the "For Motion Picture Use Only" is written in the same type of font and color as "The United States of America" in the same spot front and back.

Thomas said there are things local merchants can do to avoid being scammed.

"They can look at them and make sure that these obvious things aren't there, and shouldn't accept them," he said.

He also urged merchants to keep the phony currency, if they can safely.

"They should retain it if they can, but if (the payee) says give it back, I would give it back. We don't want anyone getting into an argument."

If police secure any funny money they send it to the Secret Service, who also maintain on their website tips on spotting phony and counterfeit currency.