By Mitch Gaynor
A Sunshine Coast man is warning others to be cautious when buying and selling online after losing more than $1200 in a Facebook Marketplace scam involving counterfeit cash at Landsborough.
Nathanial Leigh, who recently closed his lawn mowing business, listed two professional-grade mowers for sale on the platform. He said a woman contacted him expressing interest in purchasing both machines, claiming they were for her son’s business.
Mr Leigh met the buyer at his storage shed in Landsborough, where the transaction took place. The woman and her companion appeared genuine, chatting and inspecting the equipment before handing over what appeared to be $1,500 in cash.
“It all seemed legitimate. They were polite, friendly, and the money looked fine at first glance,” Mr Leigh said.
“It wasn’t until after they’d left that we looked more closely and realised the notes were fake.”
He said the counterfeit cash looked slightly off in texture and colour, and on closer inspection, the notes were marked with the word “PROP” — often used on film sets — with all carrying identical serial numbers.
“It was a shock. We’d just handed over two expensive mowers and been paid with fake money,” he said. “Thankfully, I had a friend with me who encouraged me to go straight to police.”
Mr Leigh reported the incident at Caloundra Police Station, where officers confirmed the money was counterfeit. Police told him similar scams were being reported across the region, not only through online sales but also in local shops.
“My message to others is simple — if something feels off, trust your gut,” Mr Leigh said. “Take a moment to check the notes carefully and report anything suspicious.”
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson confirmed officers are investigating the incident, which occurred on September 22.
“Six $50 and nine $100 counterfeit notes were used in the transaction,” the spokesperson said. “The notes were smaller than genuine currency, with a different colour and feel, and each had the word ‘PROP’ written on them, later marked out with black pen.”
Police are urging anyone with information about counterfeit money or similar scams to contact them.
