Biannual information on euro banknote counterfeiting in Portugal - 1st half of 2012

In the first half of 2012 a total of 7,052 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in Portugal. This is an increase of 5.5% on the quantity recovered in the previous six months and accounts for 2.9% of total counterfeit euro banknotes withdrawn from circulation in the Eurosystem over the same period.

Number of counterfeit banknotes withdrawn from circulation

	2nd half of 2011	1st half of 2012
Eur 5	37	81
Eur 10	154	176
Eur 20	3.244	2.808
Eur 50	2.879	3.670
Eur 100	326	243
Eur 200	40	40
Eur 500	7	34
Total	6.687	7.052

Source: Counterfeit Monitoring System, as at 3 July 2012.

Counterfeit banknotes found in circulation during the six-month period under review are of regular quality and can be easily recognised, simply by carefully observing the security features embedded in euro banknotes by carrying out the “FEEL-LOOK-TILT” test, and with no need of extra verification aids.

On their websites, Banco de Portugal and the European Central Bank provide information and educational materials on banknote security features and authenticity checking techniques.

On a regular basis, Banco de Portugal issues the Boletim Notas e Moedas (Bulletin on banknotes and coins), featuring detailed information on banknote and coin authenticity checking techniques and other cash-related issues.

Lisbon, 16 July 2012