Police Issue Urgent Warning Over Surge in Counterfeit Cash on Social Media
Police forces across multiple regions have issued urgent warnings following a significant surge in reports of counterfeit cash being used to purchase high-value items through social media platforms. The Economic Crime Unit has recorded more than 30 incidents in recent months, with sellers on Facebook Marketplace being particularly targeted.
Alarming Increase in Fake Note Reports
Detective Sergeant Paul Hawkins from the Economic Crime Unit revealed that authorities have received 16 reports since the beginning of this year alone, where counterfeit money was handed over during in-person meetings arranged through Facebook Marketplace. This follows 15 similar cases reported between November and December last year in Leicester and Leicestershire.
The majority of these incidents involve the sale of premium items including mobile phones, jewellery, vehicles, laptops, and cameras. DS Hawkins emphasised the growing scale of the problem, stating: "Over the last few months we have had more than 30 reports of people being given fake bank notes when selling items online."
How to Identify Counterfeit Currency
Police have issued detailed guidance to help sellers spot fraudulent bank notes before completing transactions. Key indicators include:
- Repeated serial numbers on multiple notes
- Small-font phrases such as "toy money" or "prop money" printed on the notes
- Misspellings like "poonds" instead of "pounds"
- Inconsistent colouring and unusual weight or texture
DS Hawkins explained: "Some of the signs the bank notes are fake include serial numbers being repeated, wording such as 'toy money' or 'prop money' written very small on the notes or the misspelling of 'pounds' as 'poonds'. The colouring on the notes is often not consistent and the weight and feel of the notes is different to a real note."
Regional Warnings and Additional Security Measures
The problem extends beyond local boundaries, with Nottinghamshire Police recently urging residents to remain vigilant following a surge in fake note reports in the Newark area. Authorities there noted counterfeit £10 and £20 notes being used for takeaway purchases and social media transactions.
In January, Cheshire Police issued similar warnings to businesses and private sellers about counterfeit notes circulating throughout the county. Detective Sergeant Jordan Trentini highlighted the particular vulnerability of private sellers: "Many businesses have the facility to check if a note is counterfeit, but private sellers who put items on online selling platforms such as Facebook Marketplace don't. As a result, we've had sellers handing over mobile phones only to find the money is fake when they try to use it or pay it into a bank."
Expert Advice for Online Sellers
Police recommend that sellers consider alternative platforms that offer greater protection. DS Hawkins advised: "If you are looking to sell unwanted items, please consider not selling items in cash and consider sites like eBay or Vinted as they offer the seller protection."
For those proceeding with cash transactions, authorities suggest:
- Always check bank notes thoroughly before handing over any items
- Compare suspect notes with known genuine currency
- Never rely on a single security feature when verifying authenticity
- Report any counterfeit notes to police immediately and retain them as evidence
Cheshire Police provided additional verification methods including checking for unique serial numbers, examining colour-changing foil features under different angles, looking for microtext and tactile elements, using UV light to reveal hidden security features, and feeling for raised printing that should be slightly rough to the touch.
The consistent message from law enforcement is clear: online sellers must remain extremely vigilant when accepting cash payments for high-value items arranged through social media platforms.
