I played with counterfeiting 30 years ago. Just for fun, no ill intent.
It's not a crime until you spend them. Up till then, it's art. (probably not true.)
I was working on some girls car at her home. Sent her back to my garage to gather some tool.
She got back and told me, "I grabbed a five out of the drawer and bought some cigarettes"
"OH, SHIT!", it was a two fifty. A $5 printed on the face only on cheap paper. Back side was blank.
Panic is not a strong enough word.