Valentine's Day, February 14th: Beware of flower arrangements made from real money.
These "bouquets of money" are popular with many people, but using money to make flowers carries many risks that can lead to violations of the law.
On Valentine's Day (February 14th), International Women's Day (March 8th), or Vietnamese Women's Day (October 20th), some individuals and flower shops have come up with the idea of using money to make flowers for customers. New banknotes are taped to sticks and rolled up to form attractive "money bouquets."
The practice of using money to create floral arrangements is popular due to its perceived value. However, this practice poses several risks, potentially leading to legal violations. Lieutenant Colonel Huynh Si Hien, Deputy Head of the Economic Security Department of the Dong Thap Provincial Police, stated: "During the process of arranging the flowers, using sharp objects and strong adhesives like super glue can cause tearing, deformation, and affect the circulation of currency."
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Bouquets of money were commonly displayed during Valentine's Day this year. |
Recently, the police force has coordinated efforts to raise awareness and remind a number of businesses to comply with the law on protecting Vietnamese currency. Particular attention has been paid to actions that damage or tear the banknotes, rendering them unusable or difficult to count.
Mr. Tran Huu Loc, who has many years of experience making money flower arrangements in Cao Laanh City, said: "During the process of making money flower arrangements, customers want them to stick together better and last longer, so we have to use good adhesive. However, the inconvenience later is that the money easily tears when removed."
According to Decision No. 130 of 2003 by the Prime Minister on the protection of Vietnamese currency, there are four prohibited acts, including the destruction of Vietnamese currency in any form.
Lieutenant Colonel Huynh Si Hien also added: “Clause 3, Article 31 of Decree 88/2019/2021, amended in 2021 by the Prime Minister, stipulates administrative penalties in the field of finance and banking, with fines ranging from 10 to 15 million VND for the act of destroying or damaging Vietnamese currency, and the seized items and means may be confiscated as prescribed. In cases causing serious consequences, criminal liability may be pursued.”
