Share

Fake dollar notes flood Zim vendors

Johannesburg - Con-artists using fake notes are targeting business people in Zimbabwe's rural areas and vendors along major highways in the country, Zimbabwe's Herald Online reported on Monday.

The conmen reportedly drive around in unregistered vehicles with fake money in US$20, $50 and $100 denominations. They buy goods using counterfeit notes and get change in genuine notes.

However, not many cases have been reported amid concern that people are not aware of the scam.

Police spokesperson superintendent Andrew Phiri urged the public to be on the lookout.

"It's the people's duty to ensure that they don't receive fake notes from customers or anyone they will be dealing with," he said.

He said people, especially those in business, should buy fake note detectors.

Criminal Investigations Department spokesperson Detective Inspector Augustine Zimbili urged people to report the cases to the police.

Last month, some business people in and around Harare fell prey to conmen who were using counterfeit money to buy small items in order to receive change in genuine money.

In Bulawayo last year, some retailers and other businesses refused to accept high denominations following a series of fake note transactions.

Fake United States dollars believed to be from Mozambique were circulating in Mutare and surrounding areas.     
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
19.11
+0.5%
Rand - Pound
23.82
+0.5%
Rand - Euro
20.42
+0.7%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.40
+0.7%
Rand - Yen
0.12
+0.6%
Platinum
907.70
-0.5%
Palladium
985.50
-1.9%
Gold
2,313.70
-0.1%
Silver
27.14
-0.1%
Brent Crude
88.02
-0.5%
Top 40
68,172
-0.6%
All Share
74,095
-0.6%
Resource 10
61,231
+1.3%
Industrial 25
102,474
-1.5%
Financial 15
15,807
-0.2%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders