ECCB assures public that EC notes are secure

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is assuring the public that the Eastern Caribbean (EC) currency remains stable and that the EC banknotes are protected by the various security features of the notes.

Deputy director of the Currency Management Department Rosbert Humphrey said the Royal Grenada Police Force recently retrieved three counterfeit $50 notes bearing serial number SR380132 and one $100 note bearing serial number VW033672. He, however, gives the assurance that there is no need for the public to be alarmed.

Humphrey said that of the banknotes throughout the world, the EC notes are known to have the most security features. However, the ECCB urges the public to be vigilant, particularly during the times of festivities, when perpetrators tend to engage in the production and circulation of counterfeit notes. He added that there are officers in the police forces and commercial banks across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) who are trained to identify counterfeit EC notes.

The public is reminded that it is an offence to be in possession of counterfeit EC notes. Individuals who are in possession of counterfeit notes or think they may have received such notes during their business transactions are asked to take them to the police Criminal Investigation Department in their respective countries or to the ECCB Agency Office in their respective countries. Individuals in St Kitts and Nevis can bring the notes to the ECCB Headquarters at Bird Rock.

The ECCB continues take steps to deter the circulation of counterfeit notes and to protect the stability of the Eastern Caribbean currency.