Beware: Coronavirus scam artists are doing the rounds
The public is warned to be on the look out.
Scam artists are using coronavirus to swindle the public.
Two fraudulent activities have come to light, one involving the South African Reserve Bank and the second Netcare 911.
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The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) warns the public that it is not withdrawing banknotes and coins because of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
The SARB has been made aware of a scam claiming that it is recalling money from the public.
According to a media statement, it is believed criminal elements are visiting homes and telling people to hand over any bank notes in their possession because they have been contaminated with the coronavirus.
These criminals have been carrying fake SARB identification and providing false receipts in lieu of the banknotes collected which they purport can be redeemed any of the banks.
The SARB reiterates that it has neither withdrawn any banknotes or coins nor issued any instructions to hand in banknotes or coins that may be contaminated with the virus.
According to the statement, the SARB said it 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 representatives to hand in their cash, they should refuse and contact the police.
There currently is no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through the use of banknotes and coins.
Netcare also warns the public to be vigilant as it is not conducting door-to-door COVID-19 screening.
It has been made aware that criminals are going to homes in various areas claiming to be assisting the Department of Health with door-to-door screening for coronavirus.
Staff members from the Netcare Group are not doing door-to-door screening.
Should someone claiming to be a representative arrive at your home or business claiming to do screening for the coronavirus, do not allow them onto your property. Alert the Saps.
* 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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