2016

Counterfeit Banknote received

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga has received a $20 pa’anga of the new designed ‘King Tupou VI banknote series’ and confirmed to be a counterfeit. This counterfeit banknote lacked the following security features present in the genuine $20 pa’anga banknote:

1. The watermark of the King’s effigy with a lighter text reading NRBT. This is visible when the banknote is held up to the light;
2. a security thread embedded in the banknote; and
3. ultraviolet fluorescent – showing the denomination of the banknote on the front of the note.

The Reserve Bank is concerned that there could be more of such $20 pa’anga counterfeit banknote circulating around.

The Reserve Bank has prepared a pamphlet outlining security features on a genuine pa’anga note to assist members of the public in identifying genuine pa’anga notes and counterfeits. Pamphlets are available free of charge from the NRBT or can be downloaded from the Reserve Bank website on www.reservebank.to

The public is hereby advised to check all banknotes particularly the $20 pa’anga new designed banknote before accepting them. Counterfeit banknotes carry zero value and will not be accepted by the Commercial Banks or
the Reserve Bank. The Public is urged to report any counterfeit banknotes to the Reserve Bank. Makers and distributors of counterfeits are breaching Section 59 and 61 of the Criminal Offences Act 1988.

For further clarification or to report counterfeits, please contact the:

Currency Department
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.

For media: Press Release in English.