TB – Operators of two Taco Bells in upper Manhattan thought “outside the bun” by counterfeiting money and forcing underage workers to give fake $20 bills to customers as change, a lawsuit alleges.

Annette Cirino is filing a class-action lawsuit in Manhattan federal court on behalf of her 17-year-old daughter, alleging the teen reported the allegations to cops after being “manipulated” into distributing funny money while working behind the counter at both restaurants.

“The girl has been quite distraught since this happened,” said the family’s lawyer, Richard Garbarini, adding the suit will demand at least $5 million in real money damages.

He described the fake cash as “terrible” copies slightly smaller than real $20 bills, adding they were likely produced on a laser-jet printer then run through a dryer to make them appear used

I think I speak for Matt and myself when I say the answer to this question is yes. I would willingly go to Taco Bell knowing full well if I have change coming back to me it’s going to be fake. I don’t know who these customers are getting $20 bills back as change, but you’re doing something wrong. How much Taco Bell are you buying that warrants a $20 bill as change? Also, debit cards, ever heard of them? You don’t get any change back and you still get to enjoy the natural wonder that is Taco Bell. If TB is smart, they’d run with this story. Invent Taco Bell Bucks, where customers come in and pay in actual cash, then get Taco Bell Bucks as change which can only be used to buy more Taco Bell. Hey Taco Bell, if you ever decide to do that, just know you have two hungry grown men willing to join the movement.

– Ryan