Counterfeiters Exhibit Preference for Widely Circulated Banknotes from Federal Bank
In the first half of 2025, the Deutsche Bundesbank reported a significant increase in counterfeit banknotes, with approximately 36,600 fake notes worth nearly €2.1 million being withdrawn from circulation [1][3]. The 50-Euro note, a commonly used denomination, was among the most targeted, accounting for nearly 51% of discovered counterfeits [1].
According to Bundesbank trends, counterfeiters often focus on common notes, as they offer the best opportunity for profitability and circulation frequency [3]. In contrast, no counterfeits were detected below 50 cents, and only 287 counterfeits of the largest, rarely used denomination in the cash system were found [1].
The European average for counterfeit banknotes per 10,000 inhabitants was 13 in the previous year [2]. However, mathematically, the likelihood of coming into contact with counterfeit money in Germany corresponds to nine counterfeit banknotes per 10,000 inhabitants [1]. Despite this, Burkhard Balz, a member of the Bundesbank's board responsible for cash, assured citizens that it is still very unlikely to come into contact with counterfeit money in Germany [1].
For coins, counterfeiting was mainly detected in the €1 and €2 coins, with €2 coins accounting for 91% of detected counterfeits [1]. Reliable signs of counterfeit coins include blurry images and irregular edge markings. A magnet can also be used to test coins, as genuine coins are only slightly magnetic, while counterfeits are usually not magnetic at all or very strongly so [1].
It's important to note that accepting counterfeit money is a criminal offense punishable by up to five years in prison [1]. If you come across counterfeit money, it should be handed over to the Bundesbank or the police, not passed on to others [1].
In a separate incident, more than 5,500 counterfeit 200-Euro notes were seized outside the reported payment system [1]. Suspects had a money-counting machine and claimed the counterfeit money was for a Serbian wedding custom, but officers suspected it was for a fraud scheme [1].
Experts advise checking banknotes before accepting them using the "Feel-See-Tilt" principle [1]. This involves feeling the note for raised security features, such as the hologram strip or the raised numbers and letters, seeing the watermark and security thread, and tilting the note to check for the changing colours and images [1].
As counterfeiting continues to rise, it's crucial for the public to stay vigilant and follow the advice of the Deutsche Bundesbank to protect themselves from falling victim to counterfeit money.
[1] Deutsche Bundesbank (2025). Counterfeit banknotes in Germany: Trends and advice. Retrieved from https://www.bundesbank.de/Redaktion/EN/Pressemitteilungen/2025/2025-07-counterfeit-banknotes-in-germany-trends-and-advice.html
[2] European Central Bank (2024). Counterfeit banknotes in the euro area: Statistics and trends. Retrieved from https://www.ecb.europa.eu/stats/paym/counterfeit/html/index.en.html
[3] Deutsche Bundesbank (2025). Annual Report 2024. Retrieved from https://www.bundesbank.de/Redaktion/EN/Publications/AnnualReport/AnnualReport2024.html
The increase in counterfeit banknotes across Germany, as reported by Deutsche Bundesbank, raises concerns within the finance and banking-and-insurance industries due to the high value and frequency of circulation of certain notes. As experts advise, it is essential for the public to adhere to the Deutsche Bundesbank's advice and use the "Feel-See-Tilt" principle to identify counterfeit banknotes, ultimately protecting themselves and contributing to the overall health of the industry.
