The Trinidad and Tobago government on Monday dismissed reports that

counterfeit copies of the new $100 bill were in circulation after a video

surfaced on social media claiming to show the fake bills.

National Security Minister Stuart Young said that it is near impossible

to duplicate the polymer bill that went into circulation last week and is due

to replace the old $100 bill that will no longer be legal tender in the country

as of December 31 this year.

The government had introduced the new bill in a bid to counter money

laundering and other illegal activities.

“At this stage, there is no evidence of counterfeiting or anyone counterfeiting in mass the new polymer bill. As we have said and the Central Bank (of Trinidad and Tobago) …the experts on this the polymer note is almost impossible to counterfeit.

“Persons should make themselves aware via the education of the Central

Bank of what are the security features of the new polymer note,” Young said,

adding “just by touching a polymer bill compared to a cotton or paper bill you

will immediately be able to tell the difference”.

He said what was being circulated on social media “does not have the

transparency security feature.

“At this stage there is absolutely no need for persons to be following

the road of the social media …or having any cause for concern,” he said, urging

people here “just be aware”.