A merchant in Culiacán, Sinaloa, found himself at the center of a viral sensation after discovering that a 500 pesos bill he received featured the face of popular influencer Luis David González, known as ‘La Venenito’, instead of the traditional image of Benito Juárez. The incident, which unfolded on March 26, 2025, was captured in a video posted on TikTok by the user @Arturitoye, and within just five days, the video garnered over 120 million likes, showcasing the humor and absurdity of the situation.
In the video, the merchant was in the process of closing his business and doing the accounting, a common task for shop owners at the end of the day. As he counted the money, he stumbled upon the unusual bill. "Plebada, miren, estaba haciendo corte... no he vendido nada y estaba este billete aquí y vean el billete que no checó. Ya nada más queda reírme... se pasaron de lanza," he exclaimed, humorously lamenting the oversight that led to his loss.
The bill, which had been handed to one of his employees by a customer, was a clear forgery. The merchant humorously dubbed it “La Venenito Juárez,” a playful twist on the name of the historical figure. This lighthearted naming added a comedic element to the unfortunate incident, leading to a flurry of reactions and comments from viewers on TikTok who found the situation amusing rather than frustrating.
Comments on the video reflected the audience's delight, with users posting remarks such as, "El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz y la Quesoooo!" and, "Vale más porque las lentes son Gucci." The jovial atmosphere surrounding the video highlighted how the incident resonated with the platform's community, turning a potentially upsetting experience into a source of laughter.
La Venenito, born on February 26, 2009, in San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco, first gained fame at the age of 14 while working in a candy store. Her charisma and unique personality caught the attention of influencer Sharosky, who recorded her and subsequently gave her the nickname 'La Venenito', referencing the late Spanish transgender vedette, La Veneno. Since then, La Venenito has built a significant following on social media, amassing over 600,000 followers on TikTok and more than 1.5 million on Instagram.
Despite her young age, La Venenito has become a prominent figure within the LGBTQ+ community in Mexico, using her platform to share her experiences and connect with her audience. She is known for her vibrant content that often includes dance challenges and viral trends, and she has become a symbol of resilience, particularly after facing serious health challenges, including two cardiac arrests.
The bizarre incident involving the counterfeit bill is not an isolated case; it underscores a broader issue of counterfeit currency that continues to plague businesses across Mexico. Merchants are often reminded to verify the authenticity of the money they receive, especially in high-traffic environments where transactions occur frequently. The incident also drew parallels to a previous viral moment when a fake 50 pesos bill featuring the image of the beloved Mexican singer Juan Gabriel circulated, highlighting the creativity and humor that sometimes accompanies these fraudulent acts.
As the video continued to circulate on TikTok, it sparked conversations about the importance of checking bills before accepting them, especially in a world where counterfeiting methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Users noted that while the bill was a humorous anomaly, it also served as a cautionary tale about the potential for scams in everyday transactions.
The merchant's lighthearted response and the subsequent viral nature of the video illustrate how social media can transform an unfortunate event into a moment of collective laughter and community engagement. In a time when many are facing economic hardships, the ability to find humor in adversity is a refreshing reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
Ultimately, the story of the 'La Venenito Juárez' bill serves as a unique intersection of culture, humor, and the challenges of modern commerce. It not only highlights the influence of social media personalities like La Venenito but also reflects the changing landscape of consumer interactions in the age of digital engagement. As more people turn to platforms like TikTok for entertainment and connection, stories like this remind us of the power of humor to unite us, even in the face of adversity.
