National Reserve Bank of Tonga reservebank.to

Public Warning: Protect Yourself from Ponzi and Pyramid and Investment Schemes

Imported from official source

April 21, 2026 01:00 Announcement

Public Warning: Protect Yourself from Ponzi and Pyramid and Investment Schemes

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) is urging the public to be vigilant against Ponzi and Pyramid-type schemes, which are rising in Tonga and will cause serious financial loss to individuals, families and our communities both in Tonga and overseas.
These schemes often disguise themselves as legitimate investment opportunities, savings plans, business ventures, or online trading programs. Many are promoted through social media, messaging apps, community networks, churches, workplaces, and family connections, making them appear trustworthy. Furthermore, early investors sometimes do get payouts to encourage recruitment of more investors. They promise high, fast, and guaranteed returns with little or no risk.

A Ponzi scheme promises high returns from investments but uses money from new investors to pay earlier investors, instead of generating genuine profits.

A Pyramid scheme requires participants to recruit others or increase contributions to earn commissions or returns, with money flowing upward to a small group at the top.

Both Ponzi and Pyramid schemes are an offence under the Banking Act 2020. They both depend on the constant flow of new participants. When recruitment slows or stops, the scheme inevitably collapses and a lot of people lose their money. A list of reported scams is attached for reference.

Members of the public should be especially cautious if an offer includes:

Promises of high, fast, or guaranteed returns with little or no risk

Pressure to recruit family, friends, church members, or colleagues

Vague or confusing explanations about how money is made

Payments requested in cash, remittance transfers, mobile money, or cryptocurrency

Statements discouraging you from checking with banks or financial authorities

If an opportunity sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

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Organization: National Reserve Bank of Tonga — imported from official source
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Imported: October 03, 2026 20:43
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