Taxi operator warns of fake small-denomination banknotes

A taxi company has issued an alert regarding the influx of small-denomination counterfeit banknotes as the Lunar New Year approaches.

Tang Chun Taxi shared on Facebook that a driver received counterfeit HK$50 banknotes on Sunday night. Additionally, several other drivers had reported receiving fake HK$500 notes just a few days before.

The counterfeit HK$50 note shown in the photo mimics HSBC notes, with a serial number starting with "DT." The colors on the note are noticeably dull and both the watermark and metallic thread appear blurred.

The company urged taxi drivers to closely examine banknotes received, especially small-denomination ones.

In a warning to scammers, the operator said taxi drivers are not easily deceived. Many taxis are equipped with dash cams and an in-cab recording system, enabling drivers and operators to trace fraudulent activities.