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A Kitchener man is accused of using counterfeit currency to purchase precious metals through online marketplaces.
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In one incident, Peel Regional Police allege the accused contacted a seller through Facebook Marketplace in January and arranged to purchase gold bars valued at approximately $8,500.
“The parties met at a residence in Brampton, where the accused provided cash in $100 bills,” police alleged in a statement released Friday. “While the seller was counting the money, the accused grabbed the gold bars and fled.”
Police said the alleged victim later realized $8,300 of the cash was counterfeit.
“In a second incident in March, it is alleged the accused arranged to purchase gold and silver bars valued at approximately $5,700 from another online seller,” police said. “After the transaction, the victim determined that $5,600 of the cash received was counterfeit.”
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Investigators subsequently identified and arrested a suspect.
Terran Miller, 24, is charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000; two counts of possession of counterfeit currency; two counts of uttering counterfeit currency; and one count of failure to comply with a release order.
“At the time of his arrest, Miller was wanted by multiple agencies throughout Ontario for similar occurrences and was on a judicial release for multiple fraud-related charges already before the courts,” police said.
“The Fraud Bureau has seen a marked increase in fraudulent transactions with online buy and sell platforms,” police said. “Investigators are encouraging the public to utilize the Buy and Sell Safe Exchange Zones located at all Peel Regional Police divisions.”
“These spaces are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and aim to provide the public with a safer option to meet when conducting transactions with strangers,” police added.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call the Fraud Bureau at 905-453-2121, ext. 3335, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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