We are looking for the public’s help to identify a man who is believed to have used counterfeit currency during a Facebook Marketplace sale.
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, an unknown man attended a residence in Marlborough to purchase a 10-ounce silver bar. During the transaction, the man paid the victim in $100, $50 and $20 bills. When the victim later attended a bank to deposit the cash, they were advised the money was counterfeit.
The victim and suspect met online through Facebook Marketplace, where the suspect had been using a fake profile.
Investigators have made attempts to identify the man, which have been unsuccessful thus far, and are now asking for the public’s help.
The man is described as 20 to 25 years old, with brown hair and a moustache. He was wearing a maroon-coloured ‘Champion’ hoodie and black pants. Photos of the man are available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.
Anyone with information about this incident or the identity of the man is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
Case # CA26099663/60971
Safety tips for online sales
The CPS encourages Calgarians to follow these tips to protect themselves when selling items through online classified websites:
- Meet in a safe, public place. If possible, arrange to meet 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, such as personal photos, very few friends, minimal activity or recently created profiles.
- Verify contact information by asking for a phone number and making a direct phone call to ensure the number is legitimate.
- Use e-transfer rather than cash, as this discourages thieves who rely on quick cash transactions.
- Trust your instincts, if something feels off, you are under no obligation to proceed with the sale until payment has been made.
