Barrie police are reminding residents to be careful when buying or selling items through online marketplaces after a recent incident involving counterfeit cash.
On the evening of March 17, 2026, a seller arranged to meet a buyer from Facebook Marketplace to sell gold jewelry. The parties had communicated online throughout the day to verify the items before completing the sale.
During the final meeting, the buyer paid in cash using multiple $50 bills. After the buyer left, the seller discovered most of the bills were counterfeit.
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“Be mindful if someone is handing over the same denomination,” said Detective Constable Kris Nicholson of the Barrie Police Service Fraud Unit. “Most people would have a mixture of $20, $50, and $100 bills for large transactions.”
Police advise asking for proof of where the money came from, like a bank withdrawal receipt, and trusting your instincts.
“Your best bet is to always trust your gut. Don’t be afraid to offend the buyer by saying you want to inspect the cash and make sure it’s legit. Anyone who is a serious purchaser will respect your concerns and work with you,” Nicholson said.
The suspect is described as a male in his late teens or early 20s, wearing a green hoodie and black pants. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who believes they may have received counterfeit currency is asked to contact police. Additionally, Barrie Police also encourage anyone who has experienced a similar incident or has information that may assist investigators to come forward.
