York Regional Police is warning the public following a recent increase in robberies targeting people meeting strangers to privately exchange currency. In recent weeks, officers have responded to several incidents where victims arranged foreign-currency transactions through online platforms or community groups, only to be targeted and robbed during the meetup.
On Monday, December 8, 2025, at approximately 7 p.m., the victim called police to report a street-level robbery on Douglas Haig Drive, near Middlefield Road and Steeles Avenue in the City of Markham. The victim had arranged to exchange cash when he was confronted and robbed by four suspects who stole his money and cellphone.
A similar incident occurred on November 30, 2025, at 1:01 p.m. on Sabiston Drive, near Highway 7 and Kennedy Road. After arranging a cash exchange with a female suspect on a social media app, the victim arrived at a residence where unknown suspects forcibly stole his money and fled in a black Mercedes sport utility vehicle (SUV).
A third robbery took place on November 10, 2025, at the same residence on Sabiston Drive. The victim had arranged to meet a female for a large cash exchange. While waiting outside the home, she was approached by two male suspects who stole her money and cellphone.
The suspects in all three incidents share similar descriptions, and investigators believe the occurrences may be connected. Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
York Regional Police reminds the community that meeting unknown individuals to exchange large amount of cash carries a significant risk. These crimes are often preventable when transactions are done through legitimate financial institutions or in safe, monitored locations.
Police are urging the public to take the following precautions:
- Avoid private cash-for-currency exchanges with strangers. Use banks or licensed financial institutions.
- Never bring large sums of money to unfamiliar locations
- If a meeting is necessary, choose a well-lit public space or a designated police ‘Safe Exchange Zone’.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels unsafe or the offer seems too good to be true, cancel the transaction.
- Report suspicious activity or attempted scams to police immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Hold Up Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6630. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or by visiting www.1800222tips.com.
Crime prevention is our shared responsibility: Find up-to-date crime data in York Region on the Community Safety Data Portal, or become a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.
Prepared by: Constable Lisa Moskaluk
25-372044 / 394628 / 403058
December 9, 2025
