SOUTH BEND — South Bend police have arrested a man in connection with fake “motion picture” money that has been circulating in Michiana for the last few months.

On Wednesday, 20-year-old Malik Gardner was accused of using fake money labeled “For motion picture use only” to purchase items through a social media sale.

That evening, Gardner was apprehended by police on an unrelated incident. Police say Gardner was found to be in possession of the fake money.

Official charges are still pending as of Friday morning.

Police encourage buyers to be more aware of the cash they receive during transactions.

The South Bend Police Department has designated parking spaces for social media sales swaps, and the area is monitored 24/7 by cameras.

On Monday, the Dowagiac Police Department warned that the prop money had been used in six separate transactions in the area.

The majority of the bills were marked “For motion picture use only” and were in $100 denominations. Police say the bills look and feel as if they are legitimate.

Source: WNDU