With the holiday season upon us, the Dallas Police Department wanted members of the community to be aware of counterfeit money being used at meeting/exchange locations to purchase items. On December 17, 2018, at about 6:58 P.M., Dallas police officers responded to a call for service at 9456 Cabo San Lucas Drive. The victim called police regarding two suspects who used counterfeit currency to purchase an iPhone as a result of an OfferUp deal. Because the neighborhood only had one exit point, the victim was able to detain the suspects as they were attempting to exit the neighborhood until the officers arrived.
Patrol officers transported the suspects to the Financial Crimes Unit where they waved their Miranda rights and agreed to be interviewed. During the interview, the two suspects admitted to paying the victim in counterfeit currency. The suspects also admitted to committing three similar forgery offenses using OfferUp. In those instances, the suspects used counterfeit currency to purchase a pair of Air Jordan tennis shoes, a Play Station 4 game system, and an additional iPhone.
Detectives analyzed the counterfeit currency the suspects provided the victim and additional currency that was located in the vehicle. Both suspects were in possession of approximately $2,600 in counterfeit money (Motion Picture Money).
The suspects, Javaun Williams B/M/18 and Chanclyn Savage B/M/19, were transported to the Dallas County Jail and charged with Forgery of Government Document, F/3.
As a reminder, when you intend to barter using an online app and/or mobile marketplace, be sure to complete your transaction in a surveillance, well-lit, and monitored environment. The Dallas Police Department has an Exchange Zones at its South Central Patrol Division located at 1999 E. Camp Wisdom Road. Also, with the increased risk of counterfeit cash exchanging hands, community members may want to invest in a counterfeit marker to verify money. Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season.
Below are additional safety tips to keep in mind while doing your holiday shopping or anytime of the year.
Additional Safety Tips To Keep In Mind :
- When buying or selling items, you pick the meeting location and never change the location
- Pick a location that has lots of pedestrian and vehicular traffic
- Take a second adult with you to make the transaction
- Avoid meeting at homes and apartment complexes to conduct transactions
- If the deal seems too good to be true, simply walk away
- Be aware of your surroundings and be certain that you are not being followed when you leave the meeting location
- Please call 9-1-1 to report any suspicious activity or offense.
Dallas CWEB 
Hi there! Such a good article, thanks!