Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a fraud in Waterloo after a victim was paid with counterfeit currency during an online buy-and-sell transaction.

On March 4, 2026, police received a report from an individual who had arranged to sell a set of Dewalt cordless tools on an online buy-and-sell website. When the victim met with the buyer, the victim was provided with $1,800 in counterfeit currency as payment for the tools.

As the investigation continues, Waterloo Regional Police would like to remind community members to take precautions when buying or selling items through online platforms:

• When accepting cash as payment, learn how to protect yourself from counterfeit currency by visiting the Bank of Canada’s counterfeit prevention information: https://www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes/counterfeit-prevention.

• Choose a well-lit, public location with surveillance cameras. 

• Bring a friend or let others know when and where your meeting is taking place.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be cautious of last‑minute changes to meeting locations. 

• If anything appears suspicious, contact police immediately.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterloo Regional Police at 519-570-9777, extension 6399.