Fake $50 bills used in Facebook Marketplace scam in Mission, RCMP say

RCMP have released a photo of the suspect in an effort to identify him. (Mission RCMP)

Mounties in Mission, B.C., are warning the public about a counterfeit cash scam after a man allegedly used fake $50 bills to buy items through Facebook Marketplace.

In a news release Monday, Mission RCMP said a woman recently went to a local coffee shop to sell a laptop and tablet she had advertised on the online platform.

Police say the buyer paid using an envelope filled entirely with $50 bills. She then gave him the items and he left.

“It wasn’t until the woman went through the money for a second time that she noticed that the shiny part of one of the bills was not properly attached,” RCMP said in the release. “Upon going through the rest of the bills, she noticed the same defect on all of them.”

Authorities said all of the bills also had the same serial number.

It’s unclear whether the suspect switched the envelopes or if the woman didn’t notice the counterfeit bills right away.

RCMP have released photos of the man in an effort to identify him and alert other Facebook Marketplace sellers, in case he tries to use the same tactic again.

Police added they will not be releasing the Facebook profile name at this time, but it’s believed to have been fake.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect is asked to call Mission RCMP at 604-826-7161 and quote file number 26-3219.

Police said they encourage anyone selling items through Facebook Marketplace to verify the authenticity of the payment before handing over the item.