Scam warning over fake money being used in Wiltshire
Police are urging residents to be vigilant when buying and selling on social media
Scammers in Wiltshire have been using fake £20 notes to buy items on Facebook.
Wilshire Police have issued a warning to anyone buying or selling items over social medial following a spate of incidents involving fake money.
It has been reported to the force that mobile phone being sold on Facebook Marketplace have been paid for with counterfeit notes.
These particular crimes happened on 30th April 2021 and involve the use of counterfeit Bank of England polymer £20 notes (plastic type notes).
HOW TO SPOT A FAKE NOTE
Counterfeit polymer £20s can be readily identified by first checking the hologram which can be found on the front of the note below the see-through window. Tilt the note from side to side. Check the words change between 'Twenty' and 'Pounds'.
Secondly, look at the metallic image over the main window. Check the foil is gold and blue on the front of the note and silver on the back.
PC Jordan Gratton, from the Trowbridge Area Community Policing Team, said he was now liaising with other agencies, including the National Crime Agency.
He said: "We would urge people to be vigilant when buying or selling items via social media".
"As these incidents show, it is easy to be duped by someone posing as a legitimate buyer who then uses counterfeit currency to scam you.
"Our advice would be to try to check someone's profile to see if it seems like a genuine person i.e. do they have a profile picture, friends in common or contact information.
"Also, when you receive cash, there are quick checks you can do to ensure the notes aren't counterfeit - see above & also go to the Bank of England's website for more information on this."
If you believe you may have been a victim of a similar or related crime then please call Wiltshire Police on 101, or visit their website.