Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Crimes Act 1961

Crimes against rights of property - Forgery and counterfeiting

263: Possessing forged bank notes

You could also call this:

“Having fake money is against the law and can get you in big trouble.”

If you buy, receive, have, or control a fake bank note, you can go to prison for up to 7 years. This applies even if the fake note isn’t finished. You must know that the note is fake for this to apply to you. If you’re accused of this, you have to prove that you had a good reason or permission to have the fake note. It’s not up to others to prove that you didn’t have a good reason.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM330476.

Topics:
Crime and justice > Criminal law
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262: Counterfeiting corporate seals, or

“Making fake stamps or seals used by companies or using them when you know they're not real is against the law.”

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264: Paper or implements for forgery, or

“Having tools or materials that could be used to make fake documents is against the law.”

Part 10 Crimes against rights of property
Forgery and counterfeiting

263Possessing forged bank notes

  1. Every one is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years who, without lawful authority or excuse (the proof of the lawful authority or excuse lying on him or her), purchases or receives from any person, or has in his or her possession or under his or her control, any forged bank note, whether complete or not, knowing it to be forged.

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Notes
  • Section 263: replaced, on , by section 15 of the Crimes Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 39).