Reserve Bank of Vanuatu warns public about counterfeit polymer vatu notes in circulation

The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu issued a public alert that counterfeit polymer Vatu banknotes have been reported in circulation and are not genuine currency issued by the central bank. It urged the public, retailers, banks and community groups to check polymer notes carefully and report any suspected counterfeits. The Bank said the counterfeit notes differ from authentic designs and outlined security features to verify, including a clear window with a gold element, a dark-area image that reveals the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu emblem when held to light, a colour-changing G-switch patch, denomination markings and microprinting, rainbow-effect background printing, raised intaglio printing, see-through alignment features, and serial numbers and signature marks that fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The guidance covers VT10000, VT5000, VT2000, VT1000, VT500 and VT200 notes and advises anyone who receives a suspect note not to use it, record where it was obtained, and hand it to the police or the Reserve Bank for checking; passing counterfeit currency breaches the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu Act [Cap 125]. The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu is working with the police to identify how the counterfeit notes entered circulation and to prevent further spread, and said it will continue monitoring the situation.