Two teen boys have been arrested after multiple victims were paid with tens of thousands of dollars worth of counterfeit cash while selling items through Facebook Marketplace.
In December, the Hamilton Regional Police Service launched an investigation after receiving multiple reports from people who sold goods through Facebook Marketplace and were later paid with counterfeit cash.
Police say the suspects are believed to be connected to more than 10 incidents and that more than $20,000 in counterfeit bills was passed to victims.
Police allege the suspects used fake Facebook accounts to arrange sales in Hamilton’s west end.
During the transactions, the suspects allegedly handed counterfeit cash to victims, who only discovered the money was fake after the sales were completed.
Police executed several search warrants and arrested two male youths, ages 14 and 15.
They are charged with three counts each of fraud under $5,000, uttering counterfeit money, possession of counterfeit money and possession of property obtained by crime.
The identities of the suspects are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act and cannot be released.
