OPP arrest 2 in East Hawkesbury fraud investigation

Ontario Provincial Police say two men used counterfeit currency during a purchase in East Hawkesbury, Ont. (OPP/X)

Ontario Provincial Police say two people are facing charges following a fraud investigation in East Hawkesbury, Ont.

The investigation began after two people arrived to buy a vehicle and a crane from a seller on Saturday. Police say the seller suspected the money was fake and called the OPP.

A 46-year-old man from Montreal and a 49-year-old man from Ottawa were arrested and are charged with identity fraud, possession of counterfeit money, making counterfeit money, fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

The accused were both held for a bail hearing on Sunday at the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa.

The OPP say if this fraud sounds familiar to you or if you have been a victim and have not yet reported it, contact the OPP’s non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Police in eastern Ontario have issued several warnings and have made multiple arrests for use of counterfeit cash linked to online sales.

On Monday, Ottawa police said three people were arrested during an investigation into counterfeit money.

Earlier this month, the OPP said a teenager in Kemptville was given counterfeit cash while selling an e-bike online.

You can find details about how to spot counterfeit bills at the Bank of Canada’s website.

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