Biannual information on euro banknote counterfeiting in Portugal – 1st half of 2014
In the first half of 2014 a total of 4,818 counterfeit banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in Portugal.
The total number of counterfeits withdrawn from circulation had declined significantly during that period compared with the second half of 2013, particularly as regards the €500 banknote.
In the second half of 2013 the considerable number of counterfeit €500 banknotes withdrawn from circulation largely resulted from police operations.
Counterfeit banknotes withdrawn from circulation in Portugal in the first half of 2014 were only 1.4% of total counterfeit euro banknotes withdrawn by the Eurosystem over the same period.
Counterfeiters continued to tend to target the €50 and €20 banknotes, which accounted for 38% and 48% respectively of total banknotes withdrawn from circulation over this period.
| <b>2<sup>nd</sup> half of 2013</b> | <b>1<sup>st</sup> half of 2014</b> | |
| €5 | 38 | 42 |
| €10 | 278 | 330 |
| €20 | 1.743 | 2.297 |
| €50 | 1.889 | 1.829 |
| €100 | 268 | 265 |
| €200 | 73 | 44 |
| €500 | 4.474 | 11 |
| <b>Total</b> | <b>8.763</b> | <b>4.818</b> |
Source: Counterfeit Monitoring System as at 14 July 2014
In the first half of 2014 counterfeit banknotes found in circulation were of regular quality and could be easily recognised, simply by carefully observing the security features embedded in the 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.
Every six months, 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, 18 July 2014
