Police in Staffordshire have issued a stark warning to the public following a series of scams where sellers on Facebook Marketplace were duped with counterfeit cash, leaving them hundreds of pounds out of pocket.
Victims Handed Fake Notes in Broad Daylight
The alert comes after several incidents reported to Staffordshire Police in recent weeks. In one case, a woman sold a mobile phone for £1,000 after meeting a purported buyer in a public place. It was only after the transaction that she discovered the banknotes she had been given were fake.
In a separate but similar incident on Monday, January 5, a man from Tamworth sold a guitar advertised on the platform for £300. He too accepted payment in counterfeit notes, later reporting the crime to officers.
A Spate of Reports Over the Festive Period
Authorities have noted a concerning rise in such frauds, with multiple reports filed in quick succession. The force confirmed receiving reports of fake cash being used in transactions across the county on December 27, 28, and 29.
A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police stated: "We are warning people to be extra vigilant this month and not fall victim to social media or local selling scams, after a number of counterfeit notes were found in circulation in Staffordshire."
They highlighted that the post-Christmas period, when many people look to sell unwanted gifts, is being exploited by criminals. "Legitimate sellers are using social media platforms to advertise items, and at the point of sale, are being handed counterfeit notes by fraudulent buyers as payment," the spokesperson added.
How to Protect Yourself When Selling Online
Officers are urging anyone selling items, particularly via platforms like Facebook Marketplace, to take extra precautions. The police advise using the 'look, feel, tilt' method to check the authenticity of any cash received:
- Look: Examine the note closely for sharp edges and clear print without smudges.
- Feel: Run your fingers over the note to check for different textures and raised print.
- Tilt: Tilt the polymer note to check the see-through window and the metallic image.
The police spokesperson emphasised the wider impact of these crimes: "Counterfeit notes directly fund organised crime and damage the UK economy, creating losses for businesses and ultimately affecting the cost of things we buy."
Their strongest recommendation is to avoid cash transactions altogether when possible. "Remember, it is always better to buy and sell goods using reputable banking services, or payment platforms such as PayPal or others, where you will have automatic protection," they concluded.
