‘Look out for dye-stained notes from looted ATMs’ – consumers warned
During the recent civil unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, hundreds of ATMs were destroyed, hampering the ability of bank customers to access cash and other financial services.
The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (Sabric) has cautioned citizens against the acceptance and usage of dye-stained banknotes.
This came after the series of protest actions in parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
“ATMs are an essential part of our country’s economic infrastructure, providing vital services to our communities.
“During this week’s unrest, hundreds of ATMs were destroyed, hampering the ability of bank customers to access cash and other financial services,” said Sabric CEO Nischal Mewalall.
The centre noted an increase in the attempts to circulate dye-stained notes in both provinces after the destruction of ATMs.
“ATMs hold cash in special containers that protect cash with dye-stain technology that is activated when someone tries to break open the container.
“Once activated, the cash is stained with a green dye, thus defacing the notes, rendering them unusable as currency. The stained notes are recognised as having no monetary value once they are stained,” said Mewalall.
Mewalall said individuals found in possession of these notes would be subjected to criminal investigation. The investigation would then try to establish if they were “involved in the stealing and unauthorised access of these ATM containers”.
“You may find yourself out of pocket after releasing goods or performing services because you will not be able to utilise the currency you were paid with. In addition, you also run the risk of being investigated, arrested, and prosecuted for the destruction of these ATMs,” said Mewalall.
Mewalall warned the public against accepting these notes stating that the “onward use and value of these notes will not be honoured”.
Sabric emphasised the importance of not performing transactions with dye-stained notes and also reporting individuals in possession of these notes to the SAPS on 08600 10111.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
