Scarborough Joke Shop Slammed with One-Star Review Over Magic ‘Money Maker’ Prop

A joke and magic shop in North Yorkshire has become the target of a baffling online complaint—after a customer was disappointed to find that a novelty item didn’t produce real cash.

The Scarborough Joke and Magic Shop, located on Eastborough, sold a £4.99 “magic money maker” to a customer from the USA. The toy is designed to give the illusion of turning blank paper into banknotes—a classic beginner’s magic prop.

However, the buyer seemingly missed the joke, leaving a scathing one-star review on Trustpilot when the item failed to churn out actual currency.

“The item is not as described. It does not copy money and is a complete waste of time,” the customer wrote. “All the reviews saying people used it to pay rent and bills are lies. It’s just a toy for children!”

Claiming to have lost $55 on five of the items, the reviewer said returning them would cost more than the original purchase, adding: “I took the loss and left this review so others know it’s not legitimate.”

Shop owner Miles Jackson responded with a mixture of confusion and amusement.

“We’ve sold hundreds of these over the years! It’s a popular trick, especially for beginner magicians because it’s so easy to use,” he said. “The customer originally emailed saying they weren’t completely satisfied and wanted to return it, which I agreed to—having no idea they believed it would print actual money.”

“I was stunned when I saw the review. I couldn’t believe someone genuinely expected a £4.99 prop to create real banknotes. And instead of returning it for a refund, they left a warning review for others.”

Miles responded to the complaint directly: “You bought a magic prop… from a joke and magic shop! What you thought you were getting doesn’t exist—and would be entirely illegal if it did! I don’t know what else to say… bless you!”