National Reserve Bank of Tonga

20 and 50 pa'anga Counterfeit Notes Received

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga has received five $50 pa'anga and two $20 pa'anga notes of the new design currency (King Tupou VI series) confirmed to be counterfeit notes.  The Reserve Bank is concerned that there could be more of such $50 and $20 counterfeit notes in circulation.

These counterfeit notes lack the following security features present in every genuine $50 and $20 pa'anga note:

1. the watermark of the King's effigy which can be clearly seen when it is held up to the light;
2. for the $50 pa'anga - a shiny silver thread shows as a window on the front of the note, showing images of the national medal;
3. for the $20 pa'anga - a shiny thread appears at intervals on the surface of the note and change colour green to red when you tilt the note.

The public is hereby advised to check all notes particularly the $50 and $20 new design note before accepting them.  Counterfeit notes carry zero value and will not be accepted by the banks or the Reserve Bank.

The Public is urged to take any counterfeit notes to the National Reserve Bank Tonga for further examination and further appropriate action.  Makers and distributors of counterfeits are breaking Section 59 and 61 of the Criminal Offences Act CAP 18.

For further details, please contact:

National Reserve Bank of Tonga 
Telephone: (676) 24057 | Fax: (676) 24201 
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  Website: www.reservebank.to

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