Glendale, California, January 11, 2026
Glendale police apprehended two individuals accused of using counterfeit $100 bills to defraud In-N-Out Burger locations across Southern California. The suspects utilized fake bills to buy inexpensive food items, obtaining substantial change in real currency, causing financial harm to multiple establishments. Following close collaboration with In-N-Out’s security team, law enforcement identified the suspects who now face serious charges. The scheme has adversely affected the company’s operations and financial standing, particularly in counties where multiple locations were impacted.
Glendale, California – Counterfeit Bill Scheme Targets In-N-Out Burger Locations
Glendale police have arrested two individuals accused of using counterfeit $100 bills to defraud multiple In-N-Out Burger restaurants across Southern California. The suspects, 24-year-old Auriona Lewis and 26-year-old Tatiyanna Foster, both from Long Beach, were apprehended following an extensive investigation that identified approximately a dozen affected locations in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
Details of the Scheme
The fraudulent activity first emerged on October 21, 2025, at an In-N-Out location in Glendale. Detectives found that the suspects utilized counterfeit $100 bills to buy inexpensive items, such as a $2.53 order of fries and a $5.93 Flying Dutchman, a notable favorite on the menu. This tactic enabled them to receive significant amounts of real money in change, thus causing financial harm to the establishments involved.
Investigative Actions and Arrests
Thanks to collaboration with the security team at In-N-Out and a thorough analysis of surveillance footage, Glendale police were able to identify Lewis and Foster as the main suspects. Lewis was arrested on October 30, 2025, in Palmdale, where authorities discovered counterfeit bills aligning with those used in the fraudulent activities, along with a hoard of gift cards and receipts pertaining to similar offenses. Foster was taken in on December 15, 2025, during a visit to the Glendale Police Department.
Legal Proceedings
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged Lewis with felony counterfeiting and grand theft as of November. Foster’s charges remain pending, with her next court appearance scheduled for later this month. Both suspects are facing serious legal consequences in connection with the counterfeit bill operation.
Impact on In-N-Out Burger
Founded in 1948, In-N-Out Burger prides itself on being a family-run enterprise and has a significant presence throughout Southern California. This recent scheme has resulted in financial losses and operational setbacks for several of its restaurants. A company representative acknowledged the adverse effects on locations in Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. The company expressed gratitude towards law enforcement for their prompt actions and reiterated their commitment to safeguarding both their business and the community.
Background on In-N-Out Burger
From its humble beginnings in Baldwin Park, California, in 1948, In-N-Out Burger has grown into a cherished fast-food chain known for its fresh ingredients and unique menu selections. With operations spanning nine states, particularly strong in Southern California, the company exemplifies resilience in the faced of challenges, including the current counterfeit bill scheme, maintaining its significant role in the regional fast-food market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the counterfeit bill scheme targeting In-N-Out Burger locations?
Two individuals used counterfeit $100 bills to purchase low-cost items at multiple In-N-Out Burger restaurants in Southern California, receiving substantial change in real currency, leading to financial losses for the affected establishments.
Who are the suspects involved in the scheme?
The suspects are 24-year-old Auriona Lewis and 26-year-old Tatiyanna Foster, both from Long Beach, California.
What charges have been filed against the suspects?
Lewis has been charged with felony counterfeiting and grand theft. Foster’s case is pending, with her next court appearance scheduled for later this month.
How many In-N-Out Burger locations were affected by the scheme?
Approximately a dozen In-N-Out Burger locations in Los Angeles and Orange counties were targeted by the counterfeit bill scheme.
What is the impact of the scheme on In-N-Out Burger?
The scheme has led to financial losses and operational disruptions at several In-N-Out Burger restaurants, including those in Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties.
Key Features of the Counterfeit Bill Scheme
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Method of Fraud | Suspects used counterfeit $100 bills to purchase low-cost items, receiving substantial change in real currency. |
| Number of Affected Locations | Approximately a dozen In-N-Out Burger restaurants in Los Angeles and Orange counties. |
| Suspects’ Details | Auriona Lewis (24) and Tatiyanna Foster (26), both from Long Beach, California. |
| Charges Filed | Lewis charged with felony counterfeiting and grand theft; Foster’s case is pending. |
| Impact on In-N-Out Burger | Financial losses and operational disruptions at several locations, including those in Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
