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Germany sees rise in counterfeit euro banknotes in early 2025
Germany’s central bank, the Bundesbank, reported a noticeable increase in counterfeit euro banknotes during the first half of 2025. A total of approximately 36,600 fake banknotes were withdrawn from circulation, with a nominal value of around €2.1 million.
This figure reflects an 8% increase compared to the second half of 2024, though the Bundesbank assured the public that the overall rate remains low. Statistically, only nine counterfeit notes are found per 10,000 residents, said Burkhard Balz, a member of the bank’s executive board.
Balz explained that counterfeiters are once again targeting the most commonly used denominations, particularly €50 and €100 bills, for fraudulent transactions involving valuable goods. The number of fake €200 and €500 notes, however, has dropped sharply.
The central bank also noted a slight decline in so-called “simple counterfeits”, such as those labeled "MovieMoney" or "Prop copy". Some of these notes had their fake markings hidden and replaced with imitations of official signatures to deceive recipients more effectively.
In parallel, fake euro coins in circulation also increased. Around 68,400 counterfeit coins were detected in the first half of 2025, up from 60,800 in the second half of 2024, marking a 12% rise. These counterfeit coins were limited to the three highest denominations: 50 cents, €1, and €2.