Two men from Akron, Ohio, recently learned a harsh lesson about counterfeit cash, and it’s one anyone considering buying fake money needs to understand. Tori Smith and Allyn Bell are heading to prison – Smith for nearly five years, Bell for three – after using over $38,000 in counterfeit $100 bills. Their scheme? Buying iPads, Apple watches, and other goodies at stores like Target and Best Buy. This might sound like a quick way to easy street, but the reality is a fast track to serious trouble.
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Smith, Bell, and a third man, Robert Peters (awaiting sentencing), weren’t master criminals. They were caught, charged, and convicted of conspiracy to pass counterfeit obligations. Their operation was relatively simple but spanned across state lines, hitting businesses in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. They’d use fake $100s to buy items, sometimes returning those items for real cash. Think about that for a moment. This wasn’t a victimless crime. They were ripping off businesses, from big chains to local stores, and ultimately impacting the economy.
One instance detailed in court documents shows Bell using four fake $100 bills at a Dick’s Sporting Goods in Pennsylvania. Just two days later, he hit another Dick’s in Ohio, returning the purchased goods for genuine currency. Peters, in another example, used seven counterfeit $100s at a Kohl’s to buy watches, later returning one for cash. These weren’t isolated incidents. Court documents reveal over 20 similar purchases were made as part of their conspiracy.
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U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman put it bluntly: “These defendants traveled across several states ripping off businesses.” Jonathan E. Schuck, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Cleveland office, emphasized the scale, stating they passed over $38,000 in counterfeit currency. He highlighted the widespread impact, noting they used fake money not just for electronics and clothes, but also for everyday expenses like gas, food, and hotels, preying on local businesses.
The Secret Service investigated this case, demonstrating the seriousness with which law enforcement treats counterfeit money. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranya Elzein prosecuted the case, bringing these individuals to justice. This case serves as a stark warning. Buying counterfeit money might seem like a way to get ahead, but it’s a dangerous gamble with severe consequences. You’re not just risking prison time; you’re contributing to a crime that harms businesses and the financial system. Instead of searching for ways to “Buy Counterfeit Money,” focus on legitimate ways to manage your finances. The risks simply aren’t worth it.
