The National Reserve Bank of Tonga issued a public warning that counterfeit TOP 100 banknotes are circulating and are being passed off as notes from the latest 2023 King Tupou VI series. The bank said the counterfeit notes lack key security features found on genuine TOP 100 banknotes and urged the public to take extra care in cash transactions. According to the notice, the suspected counterfeits do not contain the watermark showing King Tupou VI and the text "NRBT" when held to the light, the embedded Nexus security thread featuring the heilala flower, Tongan kupesi and the denomination "100", or the ultraviolet features that reveal the serial number, denomination markings and "NRBT" under UV light. The bank also said the counterfeit notes do not match the dimensions of genuine notes. It warned that more counterfeit TOP 100 notes may still be in circulation, particularly affecting businesses that rely heavily on cash, and reiterated that producing, possessing, distributing or knowingly using counterfeit currency is a serious criminal offence. Anyone receiving or suspecting a counterfeit note should report it immediately to the National Reserve Bank of Tonga or the nearest police station.
National Reserve Bank of Tonga2026-07-19
National Reserve Bank of Tonga warns counterfeit TOP 100 King Tupou VI banknotes are in circulation
The National Reserve Bank of Tonga warned that counterfeit TOP 100 banknotes, presented as part of the 2023 King Tupou VI series, are circulating. The fake notes lack core security features including the watermark, security thread, UV markings and correct dimensions. The bank urged the public and cash-based businesses to remain vigilant and report suspected counterfeits to the bank or police.