The Bank of Portugal reported that 11,039 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in Portugal in 2024, representing 2% of total seizures in the Eurosystem and a decrease from 2023. The reduction was driven mainly by fewer seizures of EUR 100 and EUR 200 notes, after an abnormally high number of those denominations in 2023. In 2024 the most seized denominations were EUR 20 (3,809) and EUR 10 (3,267), together accounting for 64.1% of counterfeits detected in Portugal, with additional seizures of EUR 50 (2,349), EUR 5 (301), EUR 100 (1,104), EUR 200 (160) and EUR 500 (49). The central bank noted that all counterfeits seized could easily have been identified using the “Feel, Look and Tilt” method, reiterated that counterfeit notes cannot be exchanged and that passing them on is a criminal offence, and outlined its support for detection through public guidance, training and cash-handling machine testing.
Bank of Portugal 2025-02-21
Bank of Portugal reports 11,039 counterfeit euro banknotes withdrawn in 2024
The Bank of Portugal reported withdrawing 11,039 counterfeit euro banknotes from circulation in 2024, a decrease from 2023, representing 2% of total Eurosystem seizures. The reduction was mainly due to fewer EUR 100 and EUR 200 notes seized, with EUR 20 and EUR 10 notes most commonly counterfeited. The central bank emphasized the "Feel, Look and Tilt" detection method's effectiveness and reiterated that passing counterfeit notes is a criminal offence.