Warning about thieves targeting people on Facebook Marketplace across Cornwall

They have conned sellers out of £2,000 buy using fake bank notes

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Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 16th Feb 2021

A warning has gone out about two thieves using fake bank notes to steal electrical items being sold on Facebook across Cornwall.

Police say two women have agreed to buy things such as games consoles by contacting sellers on the Facebook Messenger app.

It’s reported that the pair then collect the items from the sellers and hand over an envelope filled with counterfeit currency before fleeing the scene with the goods.

Officers have received five reports of people all over Cornwall being targeted by the pair from Camelford to Penzance and other locations in between.

It’s believed they have made off with around £2,000 worth of goods so far.

The females are described as white, both about 5’4” tall. One is believed to be in her mid 40s with blonde hair and a slim build. The other is aged in her early 20s with wavy brown hair and also of slim build.

“We would ask anyone selling items privately to be wary when accepting cash from strangers.

“If you or anyone else you know has fallen foul of a scam like this, please contact police immediately.”

Spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact police on 101 or via email on 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime reference CR/011791/21.

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