An impaired or disfigured note is still a legal tender and is acceptable in the marketplace and traders have been urged not to turn away consumers who produce such notes at point of sale.

Consumer Council of Fiji Officer in Charge, Ms Bindula Prasad said they have received numerous complaints where customers were simply turned away because they had torn and partially mutilated notes at hand.

“These retailers refused to accept the partially torn notes, causing embarrassment to the vulnerable consumers. All traders/retailers and service-providers are reminded that partially-torn and damaged notes are legal tenders in Fiji as long as the value of it can be ascertained. Thus, such notes should be accepted whenever presented by the consumers.”

She said no consumer should be turned away at the counter due to a torn or damaged note and this unfair practice must stop.

According to Reserve Bank of Fiji laws, if a note is not severely damaged or mutilated and it is not in a state where value cannot be ascertained, it should be acceptable by the retailers.

If the damage to the note consists of sticky tape or staples, marks or defacement and the note is complete, it can continue to be used.

The damage has no impact on the value of the note. Retailers must accept such notes and make a deposit with their respective banks.

Consumers, on the other hand, can also have their damaged notes exchanged at a bank branch near to them or at the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF).

The Council is also calling on the business houses and the service-providers to educate their staff or agents on the acceptance of such notes as this will ensure a free flow of business and also save the consumers from unnecessary stress and run around.

Consumers are advised to contact the Council, RBF or other consumer protection agencies if they are denied the opportunity to make a purchase by a trader or service provider as a result of a partially torn or damaged note.

By Reginald Chandar