The rash of people passing movie prop money in Georgia has escalated into the car business.
Gwinnett County police are investigating another scam involving the fake tender, this time centered on the purchase of two vehicles on the same day.
Joseph DeAngelo Lamb, 39, of Atlanta, and Dominic Darnel Mayberry, 21, of Riverdale, are wanted in connection with the Aug. 14 theft based on information found on social media, Gwinnett police Cpl. Michele Pihera said in a news release Wednesday. The warrants are for first-degree forgery and theft by deception.
Police say the two men utilized an app called “5Miles” to buy a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle and a 2006 Volvo S60. Buyers peruse the app to pick out items, services, housing and even jobs, then meet the sellers to finalize the transactions.
A Loganville man sold his Volkswagen for $1,300 but did not realize he was given 13 fake $100 bills until after the buyer left, police said.
A few hours later, another victim in Lawrenceville finalized his sale of a Volvo for $2,000 but was given 20 counterfeit $100 bills, police said. After the buyer left, the victim’s girlfriend noticed the cash was fraudulent.
The Volvo was recovered in College Park, police said.
Gwinnett police are still looking for a man and woman in connection with a $1,000 purchase made at a Wal-Mart in Buford using the movie prop money. The alleged cashier in that incident turned herself into authorities Tuesday.
Pihera said the lead detective in the latest case contacted the U.S. Secret Service about the company that produces the counterfeit money. That company operates out of Florida.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Gwinnett police at 770-513-5300. Tipsters can also remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting crimestoppersatlanta.org.
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