Biannual information on the withdrawal from circulation of counterfeit euro banknotes in Portugal – 2nd half of 2019
In the second half of 2019, 8,923 counterfeit banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in Portugal, i.e. 1,496 more than in the first half of the year. The number of counterfeit banknotes seized remains residual compared with total banknotes in circulation.
Number of counterfeit banknotes withdrawn from circulation in Portugal
1st half of 2019 | 2nd half of 2019 | |
|---|---|---|
Eur 5 | 45 | 71 |
Eur 10 | 166 | 428 |
Eur 20 | 2,486 | 3,279 |
Eur 50 | 3,436 | 3,228 |
Eur 100 | 524 | 188 |
Eur 200 | 291 | 1,469 |
Eur 500 | 479 | 260 |
Total | 7,427 | 8,923 |
Source: “Counterfeit Monitoring System” as at 13 January 2020.
There was an increase in the number of low-quality counterfeits withdrawn from circulation, which are easily detected using the “feel, look and tilt” method.
A counterfeit banknote cannot be exchanged for a genuine one: whoever accepts a counterfeit banknote when it is passed off as a genuine banknote will lose their money. As such, users must check banknotes when they get them.
Banco de Portugal and the European Central Bank provide information on euro banknote characteristics and security features, as well as authenticity checking techniques. Through its regional network, Banco de Portugal provides training on the knowledge of euro banknotes for different target groups.
