Dorset Police have released images of a suspect following a fraud incident in Bournemouth, where a vehicle seller was paid £1,800 in counterfeit banknotes.
The incident took place between 3pm and 4pm on Friday 6 March 2026, when a man visited an address in the Turbary Park Avenue area to purchase a car that had been advertised on Facebook Marketplace. The victim only discovered the cash was fake when they attempted to deposit it at their bank on Monday 9 March 2026.
Police Constable Sarah Donnelly, who is leading the investigation, has asked anyone who recognises the individual in the released images to come forward. Members of the public can provide information by using the online reporting form on the police website or by calling 101 and quoting reference number 55260037125. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
To help residents avoid similar fraud, experts from the National Crime Agency have shared advice on verifying currency. Neil Harris, head of the agency’s counterfeit currency unit, recommends checking the holographic foil strip on polymer notes. On a genuine Bank of England note, the wording in this strip changes from the value of the note to the word pounds, whereas on a counterfeit note, this text remains fixed.
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