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Police issue warning after woman loses £100,000 in 'black money scam'
Last updated at 15:52pm on 17.01.08
Money scam: Naive victims have been handing over thousands of pounds in cash
Victims have lost thousands of pounds through the fraudulent scheme, known as the 'black money scam' or 'wash wash scam'.
Officers claim there are many more victims who haven't reported the scam because they are too embarassed.
The scam involves the fraudster telling victims the money has been dyed so it can be smuggled out of Africa through customs.
The victim is also told to purchase useless 'cleaning liquid', which will remove the dye so they can use the notes.
One woman in Dorset recently lost £100,000 after falling prey to the scam.
Detective Inspector Sue Wynn, who specialises in financial investigation, said: "The tricksters sell the notes at far less than face value to their victims who believe that they'll make a large profit from the deal, when they're left with worthless paper.
"Victims usually don't report these cases to the police as they are either ashamed or worried about what they may have done wrong themselves.
"I'm hoping to warn unsuspecting people of the dangers of what at first appears an easy money-making scheme.
"If it appears to be too good to be true then it usually is - don't take the gamble unless you want to lose your money."
