Police in Staffordshire have issued an urgent warning to the public following a sharp rise in incidents where sellers are being duped with counterfeit banknotes. The force reports that a significant number of fake notes are currently in circulation across the county, with several victims already losing substantial sums of money.
How Sellers Are Being Targeted
The scams are primarily occurring on online marketplaces, particularly Facebook Marketplace, as people look to sell unwanted items after the Christmas period. In one distressing case, a woman was defrauded of £1,000 after selling a mobile phone. She only realised the cash she received was counterfeit after the buyer had left.
In a separate incident on Monday, January 5, a man from Tamworth sold a guitar for £300 after advertising it online. He, too, was handed fake money and later reported the crime to Staffordshire Police. The force has confirmed it received further reports of similar fake cash being used on December 27, 28, and 19.
Official Police Advice on Spotting Fakes
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." They highlighted that fraud investigators are aware the post-Christmas period, when many sell gifts or seek bargains, is being exploited by criminals.
The force emphasised that these crimes have real consequences, noting: "Counterfeit notes directly fund organised crime and damage the UK economy", creating losses for businesses and individuals that can ultimately affect prices for everyone.
The 'Look, Feel, Tilt' Method
To help the public, police are promoting the Bank of England's recommended method for checking polymer notes:
- Look: Check the note has sharp printing and no smudges. Look for the see-through window.
- Feel: The note should have a varied texture with raised print, particularly over the words "Bank of England".
- Tilt: Tilt the note to see the metallic image change and the colour-shifting hologram in the see-through window.
The police strongly advise that the safest way to buy and sell is to use reputable banking services or secure payment platforms like PayPal, which offer automatic buyer and seller protection. Relying on cash transactions, especially with strangers, carries a significant risk during this current wave of fraud.
