Warning after bogus gift vouchers used

Greater Manchester Police is warning retailers and customers after a number of attempts have been made to buy goods with bogus gift vouchers.

Four incidents have been reported to the police at stores in Bury and the Trafford Centre, on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 December 2012.

In all cases, people have tried to pay for goods with Capital Bond vouchers which were later deemed to be counterfeit.

In all but one case, the person attempting to make the purchase was detained.

Detective Constable Allison Dyson, from Greater Manchester Police's Economic Crime Desk said: "First and foremost, we want to warn people who may be offered Capital Bond vouchers that there are forgeries in circulation.

"We suspect that these may be offered at a discounted rate. While this will be tempting to many customers, particularly at this time of year, I urge them to err on the side of caution."

On Monday 10 December 2012, a man tried to buy more than £1300 worth of stock from B&Q in Bury with 70 £20 vouchers. When it was established these were fakes the man ran off empty handed.

On Tuesday 11 December 2012, an attempt was made to buy an iPad from John Lewis at the Trafford Centre. A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and bailed until 8 January 2013.

In separate incidents, attempts were also made to buy goods from Burns Jewellers and Boots in Bury on the same day. A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and bailed until 29 January 2013.

DC Dyson added: "GMP is continuing to work with Edenred Capital Bonds and all of the retailers who accept them, and our enquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with any information that can help police enquiries is asked to call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.