A counterfeit cash scheme targeting In-N-Out Burger locations across Southern California has led to felony arrests, after investigators say two women repeatedly used counterfeit $100 bills to obtain real money in change.
According to a statement released by the Glendale police on Monday, January 12 to local NBC affiliate KGET, Auriona Lewis, 24, and Tatiyanna Foster, 26, have been arrested, having been accused of passing counterfeit currency at roughly a dozen In-N-Out Burger restaurants spanning Los Angeles and Orange counties, with additional locations in Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties also impacted.
The investigation began on October 21, 2025, following a suspicious transaction at a Glendale In-N-Out. Detectives soon realized the incident wasn’t isolated.
Surveillance footage from multiple restaurants allegedly showed the same pattern: the suspects placing low-cost orders and paying with counterfeit $100 bills.
Authorities say the women intentionally kept purchases cheap — sometimes ordering items like fries priced around $2.50 or a Flying Dutchman burger off the In-N-Out “secret menu” for under $6 — then walking away with legitimate cash when they received change.
“Investigators learned that the suspects had successfully victimized approximately a dozen restaurants by using counterfeit bills, resulting in financial losses and operational disruptions to the businesses,” the Glendale Police Department said in a statement.
Lewis was arrested on October 30 in Palmdale by Glendale police financial crimes detectives, who were working alongside K-9 units and the U.S. Marshals Service. Police said counterfeit bills matching those used in the Glendale incident were recovered during the arrest, along with multiple gift cards and receipts believed to be tied to similar fraudulent activity.
Foster was taken into custody on December 15 after turning herself in at the Glendale Police Department.
“This case underscores the importance of taking financial crimes seriously, regardless of dollar amount,” police said. “Counterfeit currency schemes directly impact local businesses and employees.”
In-N-Out Burger confirmed the scam extended beyond Los Angeles and Orange counties and thanked law enforcement for stopping the operation.
“Their dedication and expertise resulted in the identification and apprehension of the suspects,” In-N-Out Chief Operations Officer Denny Warnick said in a statement. “We greatly value the support of law enforcement and appreciate the vital role they play in making our communities stronger and safer places to live.”
Police are urging businesses to remain alert and report suspected counterfeit money immediately, noting that early reporting played a key role in ending the scheme.
