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A fast-food order that raised alarms
At first glance, it looked like a normal fast-food stop. Someone ordered fries or a Flying Dutchman and paid with a $100 bill.
Nothing seemed unusual until patterns started to appear. The same type of purchase showed up again and again. That is when employees and police took notice.
By early 2026, investigators said multiple In-N-Out Burger locations across Southern California had been hit. The orders were small. The bills were not. What started as a routine transaction quickly turned into a regional investigation.
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How the scam worked
The alleged scheme was simple but effective. Investigators say suspects used counterfeit $100 bills to buy low-cost menu items. A $2 or $5 purchase triggered nearly $100 in real change. Repeating this method allowed quick gains…