According to a statement by the South African Reserve Bank, it is NOT withdrawing banknotes and coins because of COVID-19

“The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has been made aware of fake news that involves a scam claiming that it is “recalling” money from the public. It is believed that 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. These criminal elements 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 bank said in a statement.

According to them, such a directive has not been issued and that the bank will not under any circumstances send 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 coin. The SARB continues to encourage members of the public to follow basic hygiene practices and clean their hands often,” the bank said.