Facebook Marketplace scam warning as Police Scotland says criminals buying cars with fake cash

Fake banknotes are being used to buy vehicles from Facebook Marketplace in the north east, according to the police.

Officers warned that counterfeit currency has been detected “across the Grampian area”, and has been involved in scams.

In a statement sent to local residents, a police spokesperson confirmed that criminals were using “a mix of genuine and counterfeit currency” to buy cars advertised on social media.

The public were urged to “be wary of anyone paying for vehicles with large amounts of cash”.

“Remember, counterfeit banknotes are worthless,” the spokesperson added.

“Banks cannot reimburse you for counterfeit banknotes.

“Counterfeiting directly funds organised crime.

“It hurts the UK economy by creating losses for businesses, which ultimately affects the cost of things that we buy.

“It also affects the pocket of anyone who receives a counterfeit note, as the notes are worthless.

“If you report counterfeiting to the police, you are helping with investigations and alerting them to a problem in their area. This means they can take action to protect your community.

“If you have information about someone making, selling or using counterfeit banknotes, please contact the police on 101 or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Police Scotland also shared five key tips for how to spot fake currency:

Unique Serial Numbers

Each banknote has a unique serial number. Make sure the serial number is not duplicated on another note.

Check the Hologram

Tilt the note from side to side. The words change between the value of the note and Pounds (e.g., ‘Twenty’ and ‘Pounds’ on a £20 note)

Look for the See-Through Window

Each note has a see-through window with a clearly defined portrait of either King Charles III or Queen Elizabeth II.

Feel the Raised Print

Genuine notes have raised print on areas such as the words Bank of England, and in the bottom right corner. You can feel this by running your fingers over the note.

Check the Metallic Thread

A metallic thread is embedded in the note. When held up to the light, this thread appears as a continuous dark line