Increase in Counterfeit Currency

The Bundesbank has issued a warning about a significant rise in counterfeit euro banknotes, particularly 50 euro notes. In 2024, police, banks, and retailers withdrew 72,413 counterfeit banknotes. This occurred across Germany. This number shows a 28% increase compared to the previous year.

Despite the surge in fake currency, the total financial damage fell by 12%, from €5.1 million to €4.5 million. Fewer high-value counterfeits, such as €200 and €500 notes, are being successfully used. This shift affects major transactions like car or luxury watch sales. Instead, criminals are increasingly distributing low-value counterfeit notes, which are harder to detect in everyday transactions.

50-Euro Notes: Counterfeiters’ Favorite Target

Among all counterfeit banknotes, 50-euro notes are the most frequently faked, making up 40% of all counterfeits discovered. These are followed by 20-euro notes, which account for 28% of fraudulent bills in circulation.

amount of damage caused by counterfeit money since 2002

Photo: dpa

How to Recognize Counterfeit Money

Many counterfeit notes are easily identifiable if examined carefully. However, authorities warn that “MovieMoney” or “Prop Copy”—printed for use in films—has been fraudulently introduced into the market, making it crucial for consumers and businesses to stay alert.

If you unknowingly receive a counterfeit note, you will not be compensated—fake money is not replaced with real money. To avoid losses, follow the “Feel-See-Tilt” method to verify authenticity:

1. Feel

✔ Genuine banknotes have firm, high-quality paper with a unique texture.
✔ Some printed areas on the front side have a raised relief, which can be felt by touch.

2. See

✔ The watermark appears as a shadow image when held up to the light.
✔ The security thread, embedded in the note, becomes visible when backlit.

3. Tilt

✔ The emerald number (bottom left) changes color when tilted.
✔ On €100 and €200 notes, the euro symbols within the emerald number also shift color.

Counterfeit Coins: A Growing Concern

It’s not just banknotes—fake coins are also being smuggled into circulation. In 2024, authorities seized 131,300 counterfeit coins, an alarming 22% increase compared to the previous year. The two-euro coin remains the most commonly counterfeited.

How to Detect Fake Coins

🔹 Magnet Test:

• The center of a genuine €1 and €2 coin is slightly magnetic.
• Counterfeit coins are either not magnetic at all or highly magnetic.
• The outer ring of real coins is not magnetic, but fake ones often use the wrong material.

Counterfeit Money Sold Online

The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) reports that 75% of counterfeit money in Germany is now being bought and sold on the internet. Organized crime groups, particularly in Italy, run major counterfeiting operations that distribute fake currency throughout Europe.

Crackdown on Counterfeiters

Law enforcement agencies across Europe are actively pursuing counterfeit money operations. Recently, a major mafia-run counterfeiting workshop in Naples was dismantled, dealing a heavy blow to one of Europe’s largest counterfeit money networks.

Stay Vigilant!

To avoid becoming a victim of counterfeit money fraud:
✅ Always check banknotes using the Feel-See-Tilt method.
✅ Conduct a magnet test on €1 and €2 coins.
✅ Report suspected counterfeit money to police or your bank immediately.

By staying aware and taking preventive measures, individuals and businesses can help combat the rise of counterfeit currency and protect themselves from financial losses.

source:https://www.bild.de/news/startseite/news/news-16804530.bild.html