Police say the men put out the word that they had $17 million in smuggled money to sell. They said the cash was dyed black to slip it past customs officials, but could be cleaned with a special detergent, which they were also seeking to sell.
Authorities say they were offering $250,000 of the smuggled money for $125,000.
Authorities say it's an in-person version of a widespread online scam.
The cash was actually construction paper.
The men were arrested Friday at a Deptford hotel and are being held in Gloucester County Jail on charges of criminal conspiracy and theft by deception.