People selling second-hand goods online are being warned to watch out for a con artist who has carried out a string of scams using fake banknotes.

Strathclyde Police said they have had several complaints about a 30-year-old woman operating in the north of Glasgow who has bought goods through Ad Trader and the internet site Gumtree.

The woman targets members of the public selling laptop computers, mobile phones and other high-value items and turns up at their home offering to pay in cash.

Once she has left with the items the seller realises that the money is mostly made up of counterfeit Royal Bank of Scotland £20 notes, with a handful of genuine notes added in to deter suspicion.

Police say the woman is white, in her early thirties and 5ft 3ins tall with brown hair.

Detective Sergeant Thomas McKean, of Baird Street police office, said: "I would urge anyone with any information or who can help identify this female to get in touch.

"I would also ask the public to be very careful when receiving cash in payment for goods they have advertised for sale, especially if they are given Royal Bank of Scotland £20 notes."

Anyone with information should contact Baird Street police office on 0141 532 4236 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.