The Central Bank of Samoa has issued a public warning following media reports of alleged counterfeit banknotes circulating in Samoa, and said it is investigating the matter with financial institutions and relevant authorities. The central bank urged the public and businesses to check banknotes carefully, particularly higher denominations, and outlined key security features and steps to take if a counterfeit is suspected. For polymer notes, it highlighted the Teuila transparent window and denomination-specific tactile dots, while for paper notes it pointed to the watermark (profile of the late Head of State and ‘CBS’ letters) and a colour-shifting metallic thread on WST 5, WST 10 and WST 20 notes. The bank also reminded the public that WST 5, WST 10, WST 20, WST 50, WST 60 and WST 100 notes are legal tender, and advised that suspected counterfeits should not be returned to the presenter, should be retained securely, and should be reported immediately to the Samoa Police or brought to the Central Bank for verification, with details recorded on how and where the note was received. It further noted that knowingly possessing, using, or attempting to use counterfeit or forged banknotes is an offence under the Crimes Act 2013, punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment.
Central Bank of Samoa 2025-12-12
Central Bank of Samoa issues warning on alleged counterfeit banknotes and sets out verification and reporting steps
The Central Bank of Samoa warned about alleged counterfeit banknotes circulating in Samoa and is investigating with financial institutions and authorities. The bank advised the public to verify banknotes, especially higher denominations, and outlined security features for polymer and paper notes. It emphasized that possessing or using counterfeit notes is a criminal offense under the Crimes Act 2013, with penalties of up to five years' imprisonment.