Two teenagers from Oshawa are facing criminal charges after allegedly using counterfeit bills at pet supply stores in Ajax and Whitby earlier this year. According to the Durham Regional Police Service, the incident occurred on January 15, 2026, when the two youth visited Ren’s Pet Store locations to conduct fraudulent transactions.
Investigators allege the two males, aged 15 and 16, purchased a dog crate using fake bills at the store in Ajax. They then visited a store location in Whitby to return the crate in exchange for legitimate cash. Police state that the suspects also used counterfeit money to buy other items and attempted to perform a second refund before store staff intervened and the suspects fled the scene.
The two youth surrendered to police in March 2026. They have each been charged with two counts of fraud under $5000 and two counts of uttering counterfeit money. Due to their age, they are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act and cannot be identified. Both individuals were released on an undertaking following their surrender.
This case arrives during a period of increased concern regarding fake currency in the area. Official reports indicate that incidents of counterfeit currency fraud in the Durham Region rose by 121 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year. Authorities across the region are urging business owners and residents to remain vigilant when accepting cash.
To help identify potential fakes, the Bank of Canada recommends using the “Feel, Look, Tilt” method. This involves feeling for raised textures on polymer bank notes, looking for metallic security features within the transparent windows, and tilting the bill to observe colour-changing holographic effects. Anyone with further information regarding this case or other fraudulent activity is encouraged to contact the financial crimes unit at 1-888-579-1520, extension 5371, or reach out to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.
