Two Youth Arrested After Fraud and Counterfeit Currency Investigation

A 15-year-old male and 17-year-old female are facing charges after using online marketplaces to fraudulently purchase cell phones with counterfeit currency.

Between January 2026 and April 2026, a 15-year-old male and 17-year-old female used fake online accounts to contact at least 15 victims through virtual buy and sell market places, including Facebook Marketplace, and Kijiji. The suspects would arrange to meet the victims at different locations across Oshawa to purchase a cell phone. During each interaction with the victims, the suspects would exchange counterfeit currency for a cell phone before fleeing the area. 

Further investigation identified both the male and female suspects, who had obtained more then $6800 in cell phones fraudulently.

On Sunday, June 21, 2026, the 17-year-old female was located and arrested in relation to a separate police investigation.

On Sunday, July 5, 2026, the 15-year-old male was located and arrested in relation to a separate police investigation.

A 17-year-old female from Oshawa is charged with: Fraud Under $5000 x2, and Utter Counterfeit Currency x2.

A 15-year-old male from Oshawa is charged with: Fraud Over $5000, Fraud Under $5000, and Utter Counterfeit Currency x14.

The 17-year-old female was released on an Undertaking. The 15-year-old male was held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Kane of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5371.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

-30-