Fake bills used to buy iPhone in Guelph

Image of a woman who was alleged to have used counterfeit bills to buy a phone. (Source: Guelph Police)

Guelph Police are looking to identify a woman who allegedly used counterfeit bills to buy an iPhone.

The victim reported the incident on Jan. 22.

The man said the woman wanted to buy his phone, which he had listed online, and the two arranged to meet at Stone Road Mall.

According to police, she paid $850 in $50 and $100 bills.

“The seller later learned the bills were fake when he attempted to deposit them,” a media release said.

The woman was described as white, in her early 20s with dark brown hair. At the time she was wearing a dark jacket, green track pants and large hoop earrings.

She may have also gotten into the passenger side of a white SUV.

Police shared the following advice for anyone buying or selling items online:

• Do not meet in a secluded place or invite strangers to your home. Suggest a meet-up during the day at a public location, ideally with video surveillance. The Guelph Police Service offers a Buy & Sell Zone outside the station on Fountain Street East.
• Have someone come with you to the meet-up or let friends and family know where the meeting is taking place and any details about the buyer or seller.
• Take screenshots of the advertisements and any contact information provided by the other party.
• If you are the buyer, do not disclose to the seller how you will be paying if it’s not necessary. If the seller is aware you are attending with cash it creates an opportunity for a robbery to take place.
• Take note of any vehicles or people associated to the transaction as it is certainly possible that the name they are using online could be false.