Counterfeit US Dollars Reported Circulating in Zimbabwe
Some counterfeit US dollar notes have surfaced in commuter omnibuses and in informal marketplaces around the country
Those spreading fake notes are buying small items with denominations of US$20, US$50 and US$100 seeking change in genuine notes Counterfeit US dollar notes are in circulation in parts of Zimbabwe, particularly in rural areas, the state controlled Herald newspaper reported on Monday. The report said those spreading fake notes are buying small items with denominations of US$20, US$50 and US$100 aiming to receive change in genuine notes. Some fake notes have surfaced in commuter omnibuses and in informal marketplaces. In rural areas some Zimbabweans have received such notes for cattle and goats. Police spokesman, Andrew Phiri told the Herald that people should closely scrutinize the notes they receive. He urged business people to buy fake note detection machines. "The general public should also be aware of security features on the notes," said Phiri. Bulawayo United Residents’ Association Chairman Winos Dube told VOA Studio 7 reporter Chris Gande that the counterfeit US currency problem could be bigger than reported because some recipients may not be aware yet that they have been conned. The Zimbabwe dollar fell out of use and was officially abandoned in early 2009 after it became worthless due to hyperinflation, and the country turned to a monetary regimen of mixed hard currencies - primarily the US dollar and the South African rand.