January 20, 2026
RED FM News Desk
York Regional Police are warning businesses across the region about counterfeit currency after a suspect was allegedly found in possession of fake $100 bills.
In a news release issued earlier today, police said officers responded to a fraud-related call on January 15, 2026, in the area of Yonge Street and Green Lane in the Town of East Gwillimbury. Investigators allege the suspect entered several businesses in a plaza and used counterfeit $100 bills to purchase some small items.
Police say the suspect was located shortly afterward and taken into custody. Officers seized seven counterfeit $100 bills, all bearing the same serial number: GKV9181892. York Regional Police also say a similar incident occurred on January 6, 2026, in Richmond Hill. That case remains under investigation.
As a result, police are urging businesses and members of the public, including those using buy-and-sell platforms, to be cautious when accepting cash, especially $100 bills.
A 20-year-old Toronto man, Dominic Coleman, has been charged with five counts of uttering counterfeit money, possession of counterfeit money, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and obstructing a peace officer.
Police are also sharing crime prevention tips to help identify counterfeit bills. Each legitimate banknote should have a unique serial number, and multiple bills with the same serial number should raise concern. The transparent window on the bill should contain tiny numbers matching the denomination, and the portrait in the window should match the main portrait and change colour when tilted. The ink on the main portrait should feel raised to the touch, and the maple leaf window should display tiny numbers when viewed under a small, bright light.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police No. 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, extension 7142, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online.
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