25 November 2025
Public Notice: Be Careful of Imposter Scams
The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) reminds everyone to stay alert for financial scams. These scams try to trick people into giving money or personal information. Scammers often pretend to be from a bank, government office, the NRBT, or other real organisations.
The best protection is awareness. Please be careful when you receive unexpected or suspicious messages by email, phone call, text, social media, or letter.
Common Signs of a Scam
i. False Stories
· Promises of free banking services for “research” or “education.”
· Claims of meetings or “investment talks” that never happened.
ii. Unofficial Contact Details
· Using personal email addresses or contacts not linked to the real organisation.
iii. Pretending to Be Someone Else
· Claiming to be from the NRBT, a bank, a senior official, or a noble.
iv. Poor Quality Messages
· Bad spelling, strange wording, or messages that try to make you act quickly.
v. Pressure Tactics
· Pushing you to join an “investment” fast or without thinking.
vi. Asking for Sensitive Information
· Requesting bank account numbers, login details, or access to systems.
How to Protect Yourself
i. Check the Source
Use only official phone numbers or websites to confirm if a message is real.
ii. Don’t Trust Caller ID
Scammers can make their number look real and possibly speak Tongan.
iii. Protect Your Information
Do not share personal or financial details unless you are sure who you are dealing with.
iv. Use Official Channels
Check the NRBT’s list of licensed financial institutions on our website:
https://www.reservebank.to/index.php/financial-system/financial-institutions/financial-institutions-in-tonga
For more information,
Office of the Governor
National Reserve Bank of Tonga
Telephone (676) 24 057: Fax (676) 24 201
Email:
Website: www.reservebank.to
