#Covid-19: Criminals cashing in with “contaminated” money scam, warns SA Reserve Bank
South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has stated it is not withdrawing banknotes and coins because of Covid-19.
The statement read that SARB has been made aware of a scam about “recalling” money from the public.
It is believed that criminals carrying fake SARB IDs are visiting homes and telling residents to hand over banknotes because these have been contaminated with the coronavirus.
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The scamsters also provide false receipts for banknotes handed over, which they say the victims can use to reclaim their money at any bank.
SARB has neither withdrawn any banknotes or coins nor issued any instruction to hand in banknotes or coins that may be contaminated with the Covid-19 virus.
The institution will not, under any circumstances, send employees or representatives to collect cash from the public.
If members of the public are approached by individuals claiming to be SARB employees or representatives and who ask them to hand over cash, they should refuse and report the incident to police.
There currently is no evidence that the Covid-19 virus is transmitted through the use of banknotes and coin, the statement concluded.
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