Police have issued a warning over a surge in counterfeit banknotes being used to buy high-value items on social media. The Economic Crime Unit has received 16 reports since the start of 2026 where fake money was handed over by people collecting items bought via Facebook Marketplace.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hawkins said: 'Over the last few months we have had more than 30 reports of people being given fake bank notes when selling items online. If you're selling something on social media and are meeting a buyer in person, please check the bank notes you're given before handing any items over.'
Tell-tale signs include repeated serial numbers, small wording such as 'toy money' or 'prop money', and misspelling of 'pounds' as 'poonds'. The colouring, weight and feel of the notes may also differ from genuine ones.
Police advise sellers to consider using sites like eBay or Vinted that offer seller protection instead of accepting cash. In neighbouring Nottinghamshire, false £10 and £20 notes have been used to buy takeaways and social media items, while Cheshire Police also warned of fake notes circulating across the county.
Cheshire Police outlined five ways to spot fakes: check serial numbers are unique; tilt the note to see colour change; look for microtext and tactile features; use UV light to check additional features; and feel for raised print with sharp, well-defined lines and clear colours.
