Calgary police search for counterfeit suspect after purchase over Facebook
Posted Jun 18, 2026 1:05 pm.
Calgary police are searching for a man believed to have used counterfeit money to make a purchase on Facebook Marketplace.
It happened when an unknown man went to a home in northeast Marlborough to purchase a 10-ounce silver bar on March 3.
Police say he paid with $100, $50, and $20 bills. However, when the victim went to the bank, the bank teller explained that the bills were counterfeit.
After failing multiple attempts to identify the suspect, officers are asking the public for help.
The man is described as being 20-25 years old, with brown hair and a moustache. He was wearing a maroon-coloured Champion hoodie and black pants at the time.
Meanwhile, officers offered several tips to help Calgarians protect themselves while making sales through online marketplaces.
- Meet in a safe, public place: If possible, arrange to meet at a police station as a secure option. The Calgary Police Service has marked buy-and-sell zones at each District Office for these transactions.
- Check the buyer’s profile for red flags: Examples include checking for personal photos, friends list (few can be a red flag), minimal activity or recently created profiles.
- Verify contact information: Ask for a phone number and call to ensure the number is legitimate.
- Use e-transfer rather than cash: Police say this discourages “thieves” who rely on quick cash transactions.
- Trust your instincts: Officers say if something feels off, you are under no obligation to proceed with the sale until payment has been made.
Police ask anyone with information about this incident to call them at 403-266-1234 or leave a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
