Police have cracked a months-long counterfeit cash scheme that hit nearly a dozen In-N-Out Burger locations across Southern California, arresting two women accused of passing fake $100 bills for small fast-food orders.
At a Glance
- Auriona Lewis, 24, and Tatiyoni Foster, 26, were arrested after an investigation that began in October
- Counterfeit $100 bills were used to pay for items as cheap as $2.35 fries
- About 12 In-N-Out restaurants in Los Angeles and Orange Counties were affected
- Why it matters: The fake currency caused financial losses and operational disruptions to the popular burger chain
The Glendale Police Department said the scheme unraveled after staff at a Glendale In-N-Out reported an incident on October 21. Detectives quickly linked that case to similar reports at other locations, noting that suspects had “victimized” about a dozen restaurants by using counterfeit bills, resulting in both monetary losses and disruptions to normal business operations.
How the Scheme Worked
Surveillance footage and transaction records revealed a pattern: the pair would place small orders-like a single burger or fries-and pay with counterfeit $100 bills, pocketing the change in real currency.
Receipt images released by police show:
- September 29: One burger priced at $5.50 paid with a fake $100
- Same day: An order of French fries costing $2.35 also paid with a counterfeit $100
Investigators obtained search warrants and reviewed hours of video, ultimately identifying Auriona Lewis and Tatiyoni Foster as the primary suspects.
Arrest Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 21 | Glendale In-N-Out reports first incident |
| October 30 | Lewis arrested with fake bills, gift cards, and receipts |
| December 15 | Foster taken into custody |
| January 9 | Police announce arrests on department website and Instagram |
When officers stopped Lewis on October 30, they found her in possession of counterfeit bills matching those used in one of the restaurant incidents, along with gift cards and transaction receipts that may be tied to additional fraudulent activity, according to the police statement.
Foster was arrested six weeks later on December 15. Both women are in their early 20s and reside in the Los Angeles area.
Charges and Court Dates
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has already filed felony charges against Lewis for counterfeiting and grand theft. Foster’s charges are still pending; she is scheduled for a court appearance later this month.
Authorities have not disclosed the total dollar amount of the losses, but the repeated use of fake $100 bills at roughly 12 locations suggests the losses could reach into the thousands.
In-N-Out’s Response
In-N-Out Burger, a regional chain famous for its simple menu and loyal customer base, has not released a public statement on the arrests. The company did not respond to requests for comment from News Of Losangeles.
The Glendale Police Department also declined to provide additional details, citing the ongoing prosecution.
What Happens Next
Prosecutors will present their evidence in upcoming court hearings. If convicted, both women could face significant jail time and fines under California’s counterfeiting statutes.
Police encourage anyone who believes they may have received counterfeit currency to contact local law enforcement immediately.
Key Takeaways
- Two women were arrested for allegedly passing fake $100 bills at multiple In-N-Out locations
- The scheme began at least as early as September 29 and continued through October
- About 12 restaurants in Los Angeles and Orange Counties were hit
- One suspect faces felony charges; the other awaits formal charges
The case serves as a reminder for businesses to train staff on spotting counterfeit money, especially when customers pay with large bills for small purchases.
