A north-east animal rescue centre’s charity shop has been struck by a fraudster using fake bank notes.
A man went into New Arc’s charity shop in Ellon on Saturday, and bought two items totalling £1 using a fake £20 note.
The culprit carried out the con at other businesses in the town, as well as another in Newburgh.
He is also believed to have approached someone standing at a bus stop to swap a similar note for two £10s.
Police last night confirmed they had received three complaints in the Ellon area about the false £20 notes, and that they would be investigating fully.
The New Arc – which also has a charity shop in Peterhead – is currently fundraising after being left with a £10,000 bill following the devastation of Storm Frank.
The foul weather which heralded in 2016 wreaked havoc on several of its aviaries and a mobile home on the Auchnagatt sanctuary’s grounds which housed its 39 cats.
Money from the shop also goes to the general upkeep of the busy centre.
Keith Marley, who runs the charity with his wife, Pauline, said they had captured the man on CCTV and had since been contacted by others who fell victim to the man.
He added it was “particularly hard to bear” given the strains they are facing fundraising for the new home for their cats.
Mr Marley said: “It is particularly galling. We are fundraising on one side and getting money stolen on the other.
“It is not a victimless crime. This guy has set out with the obvious intention of lining his pockets, deliberately undermining and cheating people.”
Ellon councillor Rob Merson said: “I would urge all shopkeepers and members of the public to be vigilant – this is clearly someone with a supply of counterfeit notes, and is passing them off quite deliberately.
“It is very disappointing when someone takes advantage of the goodwill of strangers, and particularly despicable when a charity is defrauded of their funds.”
He encouraged shop-owners to take advantage of ultra-violet lights and marker pens to identify counterfeit notes.
A police spokesman said they were following-up “three outstanding complaints from premises from Ellon all about handing back a £20 note”. Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers.