
Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the legal risks associated with "prop money," which is illegal imitation currency that resembles real money and is often marked with phrases like "for movie use only" to evade legal consequences [1][7]. Group 1: Definition and Legal Implications - "Prop money" refers to counterfeit currency that mimics the design, shape, and color of real money, created by criminals to avoid detection [1]. - The use or production of such imitation currency is strictly prohibited by law, and individuals involved may face severe penalties [1][7]. Group 2: Case Studies - Case 1: In 2016, a group led by Sun created templates for "prop money," resulting in a large volume of counterfeit currency being sold online, some of which was confiscated by banks [2]. - Case 1 Outcome: In 2021, the individual responsible was sentenced to ten years in prison and fined 100,000 yuan [3]. - Case 2: In 2024, a group used "prop money" in a fraudulent transaction, leading to the transfer of equivalent Tether coins based on the mistaken belief that the counterfeit was real [4]. - Case 2 Outcome: The four defendants received prison sentences ranging from 1 year and 9 months to 2 years and 2 months, with fines between 6,000 and 18,000 yuan [5]. - Case 3: In 2018, an individual purchased "prop foreign currency" and later lent it to a friend, resulting in confiscation by a bank [6]. - Case 3 Outcome: The individual was sentenced to 8 months in prison, with a one-year probation and a fine of 10,000 yuan [7]. Group 3: Public Awareness and Prevention - The article calls for public vigilance against "prop money" and encourages individuals to report any related findings to banks or law enforcement [7][8]. - It advises against purchasing or using "prop money," emphasizing that such actions could lead to legal trouble [8].