Dorset Police news site

Officers are investigating a fraud in Bournemouth and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward – with images of the suspect being released.

The victim had advertised their vehicle on Facebook Marketplace and between 3pm and 4pm on Friday 6 March 2026 a man attended an address in the area of Turbary Park Avenue to buy the car.

He paid the full amount of £1800 in Bank of England £20 notes before signing the relevant document and leaving.

When the victim took the cash to the bank the following Monday, they were told that the cash was counterfeit.

Police Constable Sarah Donnelly, of Bournemouth police, said: “We have been making enquiries and I am now in a position to release images of the suspect.

“I would ask anyone who recognises him to please get in touch.”

Neil Harris, Head of the National Counterfeit Currency Unit at the National Crime Agency (NCA), stated: “There are simple checks you can make to identify a counterfeit bank note by checking the holographic foil strip – on a genuine note the wording in this strip will change (switch) from the value of the note to ‘pounds’, for example from ‘twenty’ to ‘pounds’, but on a counterfeit note, this word is fixed.

“Also, check the name of the bank – on a genuine note this wording will be raised but a counterfeit one will be smooth to touch."

Further information on how to check Bank of England notes can be found at the following links:

• Key security features £20 note: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/polymer-20-pound-note
• Key security features £10 note: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/polymer-10-pound-note
• How to check all Bank of England polymer notes: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/counterfeit-banknotes/how-to-check-your-banknotes

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260037125. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.