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In the first half of 2012 a total of 7,052 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in Portugal.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of 5.5% on the quantity recovered in the previous six months and accounts for 2.9% of total counterfeit euro banknotes withdrawn from circulation in the Eurosystem over the same period.
Number of counterfeit banknotes withdrawn from circulation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