De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) reported that counterfeit euro banknotes withdrawn from circulation in the Netherlands fell to 17,900 in 2025, down 26% from 24,100 in 2024, with the EUR 50 note the most frequently counterfeited. DNB noted the number of counterfeit euro notes found in the Netherlands has been declining over the past decade, which it linked to reduced cash usage, stronger authenticity checks by retailers, and increased police and law enforcement attention. It also reported fewer counterfeit EUR 100 and EUR 200 notes in 2025, and attributed peaks in 2022 and 2024 mainly to a limited number of scam cases involving very low-quality counterfeits. Globally, DNB reported 444,000 counterfeit euro notes were found in 2025, 20% less than in 2024, against around 31 billion genuine euro banknotes in circulation worldwide. The update reiterated guidance to check banknotes using features such as watermarks and holograms or with detection devices.
De Nederlandsche Bank 2026-02-27
De Nederlandsche Bank reports a 26% fall in counterfeit euro banknotes withdrawn in the Netherlands in 2025
De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) reported a 26% decline in counterfeit euro banknotes in the Netherlands in 2025, with 17,900 notes withdrawn, primarily EUR 50 notes. The decrease is attributed to reduced cash usage, enhanced authenticity checks, and increased law enforcement efforts. Globally, counterfeit euro notes fell by 20% to 444,000 in 2025, with DNB emphasizing the importance of watermarks, holograms, and detection devices for verification.