The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) has expanded its warning over counterfeit pa’anga banknotes after identifying additional fake notes from the 2023 King Tupou VI series, urging businesses and the public to remain vigilant when handling cash.

The latest alert follows an earlier warning about counterfeit $100 pa’anga banknotes in circulation. In Thursday’s public notice, the central bank confirmed that two additional counterfeit $100 notes, bearing serial numbers A065618 and A376975, and a counterfeit $50 note with serial number A999278 have now been detected.

NRBT said the counterfeit notes can be identified by the absence of several key security features found on genuine banknotes. These include the watermark of His Majesty King Tupou VI and the letters “NRBT”, embedded security threads specific to each denomination, ultraviolet fluorescent markings visible under UV light, and, in the case of the counterfeit $100 notes, incorrect banknote dimensions.

Reserve Bank Governor Tatafu Moeaki said the discovery of more counterfeit notes demonstrated the need for continued vigilance.

“As more counterfeit notes are detected, we urge everyone to exercise heightened vigilance when handling cash as we all have an important role in helping to protect our national currency,” Moeaki said.

The bank said retailers, market vendors, transport operators, financial service providers and members of the public should carefully examine all $100 and $50 pa’anga banknotes before completing transactions.

Anyone who suspects they have received a counterfeit note is advised to keep it where possible, record how it was obtained and report the matter immediately to the NRBT or the nearest police station.

The Reserve Bank said prompt reporting would help authorities trace the source of the counterfeit notes, prevent further circulation and maintain confidence in Tonga’s currency.