The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on Tuesday warned the public against “coronavirus robbers” going around neighbourhoods to hoodwink people to give up banknotes and coins due to contamination of the pandemic disease.
According to the central bank, the criminals are carrying false SARB identity cards and providing false receipts in lieu of the banknotes “collected”, telling their victims that the receipts would provide them access to new banknotes and coins free of the coronavirus from any of the country’s banks.
Confirming the reports, the bank said: “It is believed that the criminal elements are visiting the homes of members of the public telling them to hand over banknotes in their possession because the banknotes have been contaminated with the coronavirus.”
“The SARB has neither withdrawn any banknotes or coins, nor [has it] issued any instruction to hand in banknotes or coins that may be contaminated with the COVID-19 virus,” the bank said.
The SARB said it would not, under any circumstances, send its employees or representatives to collect cash from the public.
“If members of the public are 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 coins.
“The SARB continues to encourage members of the public to follow basic hygiene practice and clean their hands often to prevent the virus,” the apex bank concluded.
NM/jn/APA