BE AWARE OF COUNTERFEIT NOTES

We are warning people to be extra vigilant this month and not fall victim to social media or local selling scams, after a number of counterfeit notes were found in circulation in Staffordshire, including Cannock. 

Fraud investigators are aware that, with Christmas being over, many people are looking to sell unwanted gifts or are on the look-out for a bargain themselves.

Legitimate sellers are using social media platforms to advertise items, and at the point of sale, are being handed counterfeit notes by fraudulent buyers as payment.

Officers have received multiple reports of the counterfeit currency being identified after items have been handed over, leaving genuine sellers out-of-pocket. In the space of three days, we received three reports of such activity - on 27, 28 and 29 December - taking place across the county.

For more information and advice: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/news/staffordshire/news/2026/january/selling-scam-warning-as-counterfeit-notes-circulated/