A 20-year-old man from Toronto was arrested on March 13, 2026, after police say he used fake $100 bills at several businesses in Ajax, Ontario. The arrest follows an investigation into reports of counterfeit money being used across the Durham region, including in Whitby and Oshawa.
The Durham Regional Police Service began their investigation into these incidents on February 7, 2026. Officers discovered a pattern where fake Bank of Canada bills were used to buy retail items at local stores.
Police say the man would then take the items to different store locations to return them for a refund. This allowed him to receive genuine cash back for the items he originally purchased with the fake banknotes.
Local business owners and residents are encouraged to check their cash during transactions to avoid losing money. This case serves as a reminder for staff to look closely at high-value bills and verify they are real before completing a sale.
