Fake money is in our midst again, and the police are warning businesses to be wary of this ‘trend’.
This follows after a story published in the WITBANK NEWS of 5 October where two suspects were apprehended for trying to pay for petrol with a false R100-note.
Machines that make these notes were found in their possession along with other counterfeit goods.
One of the counterfeit notes.
Their shop in the central business district were closed for business and their goods confiscated.
On Thursday, November 1 a shop manager phoned the SACCW (South African Community Crime Watch) and said that a client is trying to buy airtime with a fake R100.
Police and response members set out to the business and the client said that he was paid with that note.
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The information was confirmed when police set out to the person in Reyno Ridge who paid the man. They said that a street vendor paid them with that particular note.
Ms Maureen Scheepers, operations co-ordinator of the SACCW said that they received another call later that evening where another counterfeit R100 note was received, this time with a petrol purchase.
“Unfortunately the man paid and left and it was only later realised that the note was fake. It would seem that petrol and airtime purchases are the main ‘problem areas’ and we want to warn businesses of these R100 notes still possibly in circulation.”
One of the counterfeit notes.
Capt Eddie Hall, media spokesperson for the Witbank Police extended a warning, stating that when anyone receives money, it should be checked under the purple ultra-violet light.
“We urge garages, tuck shops and any other businesses to check any notes they receive and not take any false notes. The loss comes back to the business. But business owners must also note that the police or banks can not pay back the money lost due to counterfeit notes. Anyone taking cash should be extra careful and test every note,” Capt Hall said.
