Avon and Somerset Police are warning people selling items on social media platform Facebook Marketplace to be vigilant.

The warning comes after a series of incidents in which counterfeit money has been handed over in cash purchases.

Police say they’ve received reports from areas including Weston-super-Mare, Bath and Bristol, where items including laptops, game consoles and mobile phones have been advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace and upon collection of the item, the buyer has paid often hundreds of pounds, with counterfeit currency, which is worthless to the seller.

Investigations fraud team manager, Claire Pash, said: “Sadly criminals are taking advantage of sellers wishing to make some cash from their unwanted items. We are asking people who sell online in this way to please be cautious when agreeing to a sale and take all possible steps to ensure buyers are legitimate and payments are genuine.”

Advice for sellers:

  • Take pictures of your goods including serial/identification numbers.
  • Before agreeing a sale, check the buyer’s profile. Look at recent activity and friends and satisfy yourselves that they are legitimate.
  • Be suspicious of buyers who rush you into completing the sale, especially if they offer more than agreed price.
  • Keep a record of the buyer’s profile name and link, telephone number and any vehicle registration.
  • Learn how to identify counterfeit notes. Find out more at: How to check your banknotes | Bank of England
  • Where possible, meet away from your home so that the buyer does not know your personal address.
  • If you do meet at home, ensure any CCTV or Ring Doorbell is on and recording.
  • Complete the exchange in company with another person present for safety, especially if you are aged under 18.
  • Never hand over goods until you’re satisfied that you’ve received genuine payment.
  • Report scam profiles to the relevant platform e.g. Facebook directly.
  • If you have been a victim of this crime, report directly to your local police: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/your-area/
  • Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.