Increase in euro counterfeit banknotes
Source: European Central Bank; SMI – Secura Monde International
Press Release of ECB 23 January 2015 – More counterfeits in second half of 2014.
- 507,000 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in the second half of 2014.
- 86% of the counterfeits are €20 and €50 banknotes.
- All euro banknotes can be easily verified using the “feel, look and tilt” method.
- Euro banknotes continue to be a trusted and safe means of payment.
The European Central Bank (ECB) has released its banknote counterfeit figures for the second half of 2014, showing an increase in the number of fake banknotes withdrawn from circulation.
507,000 counterfeit banknotes were removed, an increase of 53% compared to the first half of 2014 and an increase of 44% compared to the same period in 2013. However, the ratio of counterfeit banknotes to authentic banknotes in circulation remains small, at 0.003%.
The vast majority (97.5%) of all counterfeits were found in euro area countries.
Graphics: SMI – Secura Monde International
