Cameroon: Fear and uncertainty in Maroua as fake banknotes are spotted in market

There has been fear and hesitation among denizens in Maroua, Far North Region of Cameroon, after fake banknotes were seen in circulation.

This came barely a few days after the release of the new BEAC banknotes in the country.

“For the past 72 hours, fake new banknotes have been circulating in the city of Maroua, reports say scammers are responsible,” said MMI’s correspondent in the Far North Region.

The circulation of the fake notes in the city of Maroua has left a good number of traders reluctant to collect the new banknotes, thereby, rendering the buying and selling of goods difficult for business persons.

According to a trader at the Maroua Central Market, “We are very suspicious, counterfeit notes have been circulating everywhere since the release of the new notes, I prefer to sell my goods with the old bank notes, that way, I can easily tell if it is authentic or fake.”

A teacher said, buying with the new banknotes has been a nightmare.

“The problem is really serious. You go to the market and you beg for your money to be accepted because everyone is scared of counterfeit banknotes and it’s even worse if you’re in a remote area,” he told MMI.

But supermarkets have solutions as they have machines in place to detect fake banknotes.

“Even before the release of the new banknotes, we prepared ourselves with our banknote detector devices,”
indicated a cashier at the supermarket.

“This will allow us not to slow down the purchases of our loyal customers, especially during this festive period when everyone needs to satisfy the family.”

The new banknotes went into circulation in Cameroon on Thursday, December 16, 2022.

By Amina Hilda