Counterfeit euro banknotes remain at historically low levels in 2025
Approximately 444,000 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in 2025, marking a 20 percent decrease compared to 2024. The risk of receiving a counterfeit remains very low, with only 14 counterfeits detected per million genuine banknotes in circulation.
Fewer fakes, but 20 and 50 euro notes targeted
In 2025, approximately 444,000 counterfeit euro banknotes were removed from circulation, representing a 20 percent decrease compared to 2024.
This figure is among the lowest recorded since the introduction of euro banknotes.
The overall risk of encountering a counterfeit remains very low, with only 14 counterfeits detected per million genuine banknotes in circulation.
The 20-euro and 50-euro denominations continued to be the most frequently counterfeited, together accounting for about 80 percent of all seized fakes.
A significant majority of these counterfeits, 96.8 percent, were discovered within euro area countries, while 2.2 percent were found in EU Member States outside the euro area, and 1.0 percent in the rest of the world.
Simple check for authenticity
The public should remain vigilant, though most counterfeits are easily identifiable, often lacking security features or showing amateurish imitations.
Authenticity can be verified using the 'Feel-Look-Tilt' method, with detailed guidance available from national central banks.
The Eurosystem supports cash handlers by ensuring banknote processing machines reliably detect fakes.
If a banknote appears suspicious, compare it with a genuine one.
Persistent suspicion warrants contacting the police, your national central bank, or your commercial bank, as per local procedures.
Continued vigilance needed
The consistently low number of counterfeits highlights the effectiveness of security features and public awareness campaigns.
However, the sustained targeting of 20-euro and 50-euro notes indicates criminals continue to adapt their methods.
Therefore, ongoing public education and robust detection systems remain crucial to maintain trust in cash as a reliable payment method.