Coronavirus: SARB warns public not to fall prey to money recall scam

IT seems as though wily crooks are making the most of the fears surrounding the Coronavirus.

Warnings have gone out this week advising homeowners not to fall prey to fraudsters posing as health department agents claiming to be doing door-to-door COVID-19 tests.

Now the South African Reserve Bank has issued a warning advising the public that it is not withdrawing banknotes and coin because of COVID-19.

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The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) says it has been made aware of fake news involving a scam claiming that it is “recalling” money from the public.

“It is believed that criminal elements are visiting homes telling residents to hand over banknotes in their possession because the banknotes have been contaminated with the Coronavirus. These unscrupulous fraudsters carry fake SARB identification and provide false receipts in lieu of the banknotes “collected” which they purport can be collected from any of the banks. The SARB has neither withdrawn any banknotes or coins nor issued any instruction to hand in banknotes or coins that may be contaminated with the COVID-19 virus,” the statement read.

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“The SARB will not, under any circumstances, send employees or representatives to collect cash from the public. If anyone is approached by individuals purporting to be SARB employees or representatives, to hand in their cash, they should refuse and contact local police.”

There currently is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted through the use of banknotes and coin.

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).

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