Public Notice: Public Warning on COUNTERFEIT $100 PA’ANGA BANKNOTES IN CIRCULATION
NUKU’ALOFA TONGA– 20th July 2026
The public is alerted that the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) has identified a number of counterfeit $100 paʻanga banknotes purporting to be from the latest 2023 series, King Tupou VI banknotes, that are currently in circulation.
The counterfeit banknotes do not contain the following security features found on a genuine $100 paʻanga banknote:
1. Watermark – The genuine banknote displays a watermark of His Majesty King Tupou VI together with the lighter text “NRBT”, which is visible when the banknote is held up to the light.
2. Security Thread – A genuine $100 paʻanga banknote contains an embedded Nexus security thread featuring the heilala flower, Tongan kupesi, and the denomination “100”.
3. Ultraviolet (UV) Fluorescent Features – Under ultraviolet (UV) light, the front of the genuine banknote displays the serial number and denomination on the left side, and the denomination value at the bottom right together with the letters “NRBT” at the top right.
4. Banknote Dimensions – The counterfeit banknotes do not match the dimensions of a genuine $100 paʻanga banknote.
NRBT Governor Moeaki warns “that the public should be more alert in conducting cash transactions particularly during this festive period to ensure genuine banknotes are being used as he believes there could be more counterfeit $100 paʻanga banknotes that are still in circulation. Businesses that primarily deal in cash are especially encouraged to remain vigilant.”
Information on the security features of genuine banknotes is available on the NRBT website, and printed pamphlets may be obtained free of charge from the Bank’s office.
The production, possession, distribution, or knowing use of counterfeit currency is a serious criminal offence. Anyone who receives a counterfeit banknote or suspects that they have received a counterfeit banknote should report the matter immediately to the NRBT or the nearest police station.
For more information, contact the National Reserve Bank of Tonga on (+676 24057) or email: nrbt@reservebank.to , website: http://www.reservebank.to
