OCOEE, Fla. – Ocoee Police are investigating almost a dozen counterfeit money cases across the community from over the last several months.
News 6 filed an opens records request the agency and received 10 reports of victims saying they were handed counterfeit cash.
One victim was Justin Nix, the owner of Franco's Pizzeria. He said someone used the fake cash to pay for a delivery on New Year's Eve.
"We were really busy, we were trying to get out of here early," Nix said.
Nix said his delivery man felt uneasy when making a delivery that night.
"When the driver showed up, he exchanged the food and all and he [the customer] acted a little nervous and walked down the street instead of going back inside the house," Nix said.
But Nix said they didn't realize the two $20 bills the customer used to pay for his order were fake until they checked them back at the restaurant.
"We have a counterfeit pen and then later on I noticed that the serial numbers were the same," he said. "Something you usually catch right away, but seeing it was on a delivery, we were really busy that night, and it was dark, so it kinda slipped by us that time."
Nix filed a report with Ocoee police. It is one of 10 reports filed with the agency since October. According to the reports, the fake money has been used at convenience stores, restaurants, and hair salons. Police said some people did not realize they had counterfeit bills.
"It's only hurting the community cause you're passing these fake money around and other people are going to get it and be victims and have money taken," Nix said.
Ocoee police made an arrest in one case, charging 27-year-old Cari Lewis with using the fake money at a Kangaroo convenience store.
Officers said they are still investigating whether or not all of these cases are connected.
"You know you're going to get caught one day," Nix said.
Nix posted his story and a picture of the fake cash on social media. He said he hopes to spread the word so no one else will become a victim.
"To let all the other local business owners and people I know who are business owners to be aware of the situation," he said.
Ocoee PD has contacted the Secret Service.
Officers said what makes this case unusual is the fake bills are small denominations, usually $20 or less.
If you have any information, call Ocoee police.
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