£340 in Fake Notes Used to Buy Apple MacBook in Knaresborough

£340 in Fake Notes Used to Buy Apple MacBook in Knaresborough

Selling something online in Knaresborough or across North Yorkshire? This police warning is worth reading before you hand over your phone, laptop or other valuables to a buyer.

A seller has been left £340 out of pocket after an Apple MacBook was reportedly bought using counterfeit banknotes in Knaresborough.

North Yorkshire Police is investigating after the laptop was advertised for sale on social media and a prospective buyer negotiated a price of £340.

A meeting was arranged and the MacBook was handed over in exchange for cash.

The seller later discovered the notes were fake.

💷 Could this happen to you?

If you sell unwanted items through social media or an online marketplace, it’s easy to concentrate on getting the right price and arranging collection.

But police are warning sellers to check cash carefully before letting an item go.

The scam involves a buyer agreeing a price for an advertised item, meeting the seller and paying with counterfeit notes.

By the time the seller discovers the money isn’t genuine, the buyer — and the item — may be long gone.

Police say the Knaresborough case isn’t the only incident involving a similar fake-note scam.

🔎 Take a closer look at those banknotes

Would you notice if someone handed you counterfeit cash?

Fake notes previously reported to North Yorkshire Police have included some surprisingly obvious warning signs:

• 💷 Notes that feel unusually thick
• 👀 Poor-quality or opaque printing
• ❌ “Poonds” printed instead of “Pounds”
• 🎬 Small print saying the cash is play or prop money
• 🔍 Missing or incorrect security features

If you’re being handed several notes at once, check them individually before completing the sale.

And don’t let a buyer rush you.

📱 Selling a laptop, phone or games console?

Higher-value second-hand items can mean hundreds of pounds changing hands between people who have never met before.

If you’re arranging a local sale, it makes sense to:

• Meet in a safe, well-lit location
• Check the buyer’s profile and messages for anything unusual
• Be wary of unexpected last-minute changes
• Check every banknote before handing over your item
• Consider a secure electronic payment for higher-value purchases
• Walk away if something doesn’t feel right

Taking an extra couple of minutes at the point of sale could prevent an expensive mistake.

🚨 Already been paid in cash? It may be worth checking it

Have you recently sold something through social media in Knaresborough, Harrogate or elsewhere in North Yorkshire?

If the buyer paid in cash — particularly for an expensive item — take another look at the notes if you still have them.

Police have previously received reports of counterfeit cash being used for second-hand purchases, food and takeaways, so the warning isn’t limited to laptops.

📞 Can you help police?

Anyone with information about the Knaresborough MacBook incident should contact North Yorkshire Police quoting:

Reference: 12260089548

Information can be provided to PC 662 Abel by emailing samantha.abel@northyorkshire.police.uk, through the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The message for anyone selling online is simple: agree your price, choose a safe place to meet — and check the money before your item leaves your hands.