European Central Bank Detects Uptick in Fake Euro Banknotes

The European Central Bank saw an uptick in counterfeit euro banknotes in 2023 — a sign criminal activity is picking up again after hitting a record low during the pandemic.

About 467,000 fake banknotes were withdrawn from circulation, which is — despite the increase — one of the lowest levels ever recorded in proportion to genuine ones. The most commonly counterfeited are the €20 ($21.63) and €50 denominations, which account for more than 70% of the total.

“The public need not be concerned about counterfeiting but should remain vigilant,” the ECB said Monday in a press release. It suggests ...