Two Youths Charged in Counterfeit Currency Investigation
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The Hamilton Police Service Financial Crimes Unit has concluded a significant investigation into a series of frauds involving counterfeit currency used in Facebook Marketplace transactions.
In December 2025, investigators began examining multiple reports from victims who had sold items through Facebook Marketplace and were subsequently paid with counterfeit Canadian currency. In each incident, the suspects used fictitious Facebook accounts to arrange meetings with sellers at locations in Hamilton’s west end. During these transactions, the suspects provided counterfeit bank notes in exchange for merchandise, leaving victims unaware that the currency was fraudulent until after the sale.
Investigators believe more than 10 incidents are linked to the same suspects. To date, victims have received in excess of $20,000 in counterfeit currency.
As a result of the investigation and the execution of several search warrants, two male youths, aged 15 and 14, were arrested and charged.
15-year-old male youth charged with:
- Fraud Under $5,000 (3 counts)
- Uttering Counterfeit Money (3 counts)
- Possession of Counterfeit Money (3 counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (3 counts)
14-year-old male youth charged with:
- Fraud Under $5,000 (3 counts)
- Uttering Counterfeit Money (3 counts)
- Possession of Counterfeit Money (3 counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (3 counts)
The identities of the accused are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act and cannot be released.
- Meet in a public, well-lit location
- Consider completing transactions at a designated community safety zone - Hamilton Police Division 30 located at 400 Rymal Road East
- Examine all currency carefully before completing a sale
- Be cautious of buyers using newly created or unverifiable online profiles
- Report any suspected counterfeit currency to police immediately