Bank of Mauritius Warns Public Over Counterfeit Banknotes in Circulation

The Bank of Mauritius — the country's central bank — has issued a public warning about counterfeit banknotes currently circulating in Mauritius, urging residents, traders, and businesses to exercise heightened vigilance when handling cash. While the original report from Le Défi Media does not specify which denominations are affected or how many fake notes have been detected, the central bank's decision to issue a public alert signals that the issue is considered serious enough to warrant widespread awareness. **How to Spot a Fake Mauritian Banknote** Mauritian banknotes issued by the Bank of Mauritius include several security features designed to help the public detect counterfeits: - **Watermark**: Hold the note up to light — a portrait or pattern embedded in the paper should be visible. - **Security thread**: A metallic or holographic strip is woven into genuine notes and should shift colour or display text when tilted. - **Raised print**: Authentic notes have a slightly rough texture in certain areas — you can feel the ink when you run a finger across the surface. - **Colour-shifting ink**: On higher-denomination notes, certain numerals or images change colour when the note is tilted. - **Microprinting**: Tiny text visible under magnification is present on genuine notes but difficult to reproduce in counterfeits. If a note feels unusually smooth, looks blurry in fine detail areas, or lacks the expected security features, treat it with suspicion. **What Should You Do If You Receive a Suspicious Note?** Do not attempt to pass the note on to someone else — doing so could expose you to criminal liability. The recommended steps are: 1. Note the circumstances in which you received the banknote. 2. Handle it as little as possible. 3. Report it to the nearest police station or contact the Bank of Mauritius directly. Passing counterfeit currency is a criminal offence under Mauritian law, regardless of whether the person doing so knew the note was fake at the time of receipt. **Who Is Most at Risk?** Small business owners, market traders, taxi drivers, and anyone regularly dealing in cash transactions face the greatest exposure. Tourists and visitors — who may be less familiar with local currency — should also take a moment to familiarise themselves with the appearance of genuine Mauritian rupee notes before travelling. **What This Means** Counterfeit currency alerts are relatively rare in Mauritius, making this public notice from the Bank of Mauritius significant. The central bank's intervention is a reminder that even in a small island economy, currency fraud poses a real risk to individuals and businesses. Staying informed and checking banknotes carefully — especially during busy commercial periods — is the simplest form of protection. Source: Le Défi Media