SCAM: Counterfeit Notes

We are urging people to check any bank notes they receive after seeing an increase in reports of fake cash being handed over to people selling items on Facebook marketplace.

Officers are seeing around two reports every day of genuine sellers being conned out of their items by accepting fake notes as payment.

Yesterday was no exception, with one report made in Stafford and another in Cannock.

We were called at 3pm on Tuesday (28 April) by a victim who said they were at Astonfields Services on Sandon Road at around 9pm on Monday (27 April) where they had arranged to meet a buyer from Facebook marketplace.

The victim handed over their collection of Pokémon cards to a man pretending to be a genuine buyer, who in fact paid £520 in fake £20 notes.

In Cannock yesterday, a victim reported that they had handed over their mobile phone to a man on a car park on New Penkridge Road at around 7.20pm. When they checked the £440 notes, they noticed the hologram was not right and there were bubbles under the silver strip.

We believe these notes originate from abroad and are purchased with the intent of scamming people out of their items.

Detective Sergeant Garry Jackson, who is a financial investigator in our major and organised crime unit, said: “Scammers are sometimes arranging to meet people at different locations, including car parks and service stations, and taking advantage of genuine sellers’ trust by handing over the fake notes when it’s getting dark. There have also been recent incidents where scammers have attended the sellers address again, often at night.

“By the time the duped sellers have got chance to check the notes, it’s too late.

“That’s why we’re urging anyone who is selling online and arranging to meet with individuals to do so during daylight hours, ideally at an address where you can close the door to check the cash you have been given before handing over the item.

“Genuine notes have unique serial numbers on and are printed on polymer which is a thin and flexible plastic material. There should be no smudges or blurred edges and in the case of the £20 note, the value of the note is visible with a magnifying glass under the monarch’s portrait.

“Remember, banks are unable to reimburse you for counterfeit notes, so care should be taken when carrying out any transaction in cash.

“It is unusual for anyone to have a large amount of cash on them, as banks set daily limits, so please take the time to stop, think and check any notes you receive.

“Also please be aware of people saying they are transferring the money by direct bank transfer and showing the seller the transaction on their phone, as this too could be fake. Please do not release the item until you can see the money actually in your account.”

To find out more about how to check bank notes, visit: How to check your banknotes | Bank of England

To report fraud in your area, call us on 101, use Live Chat on our website or call 999 in an emergency.

To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.