⚠️ Warning: Increase in Counterfeit Cash Used on Facebook Marketplace

⚠️ Warning: Increase in Counterfeit Cash Used on Facebook Marketplace

We’ve recently seen a rise in counterfeit (fake) cash being used to purchase mobile phones, electronics, and other high‑value items through Facebook Marketplace and similar selling platforms.
Here’s how you can protect yourself:

✔️ Top Tips to Stay Safe

1. Avoid Cash Transactions Where Possible

Whenever you can, use secure, traceable payment methods such as bank transfer, PayPal Goods & Services, or other reputable digital methods.
These create a record of the buyer and reduce the risk of scams.

2. Check Cash Carefully

If you do accept cash:

Take your time inspecting the notes.

Look for raised print, holograms, metallic strips, watermarks, and see‑through windows on newer notes.

Compare the notes to a genuine one if you have one available.

If the buyer tries to rush you, that’s a red flag.

3. Meet in Safe, Public Locations

Arrange to meet:

Inside a police‑approved safe exchange zone, if available.

In a busy public place with CCTV.

Avoid meeting at home addresses whenever possible.

4. Trust Your Instincts

Be cautious of:

Buyers offering full price without asking questions.

People wanting to meet “immediately” or late at night.

Buyers who won’t show their profile, avoid video calls, or recently made their Facebook account.

If something feels off, it probably is.

5. Don’t Hand Over Property Until You’re Confident

Never give the buyer the item until:

Payment has cleared into your account (not "pending").

You are fully satisfied any cash is genuine.

Once the item has left your possession, it becomes much harder to recover.

6. Keep Records

Note down:

The buyer’s name

Phone number

Screenshots of the conversation

Their vehicle registration, if applicable

This information helps us greatly if something goes wrong.

If You Suspect Fake Money Has Been Used

Contact the police on 101 or report via the force website.
If you feel threatened or unsafe at any point, call 999 immediately.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
James Skitt
(Staffordshire Police, PCSO, Tamworth)