Total of 714 counterfeit euro banknotes found in circulation in Finland last year

20 and 50 euro notes were the most counterfeited

Among the denominations in circulation in Finland in 2024, the EUR 20 was the most frequently found counterfeit note (386 counterfeits). 197 of all counterfeits were EUR 50 notes and 71 were EUR 10 notes.

Year	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Number of counterfeits	1,496	523	469	653	714

“The number of counterfeit euro banknotes detected in circulation has increased slightly over the past two years but is still small compared to the rest of the euro area. Although it is highly unlikely that you will come across a counterfeit banknote, it is important to pay attention to the security features of banknotes when handling them,” says Olli Vehmas, Banknote Specialist at the Bank of Finland.

You can check whether a euro banknote is genuine by looking at the various security features that have been incorporated into them. For instance, feel the raised print, look at the banknote against the light and tilt it. If you have any suspicions, compare the note directly with one that you know to be genuine. More information on checking banknote authenticity can be found on the Bank of Finland website.

The Bank of Finland has a short online course (in Finnish and Swedish) on the recognition of banknotes, which is open to everyone. The course provides an opportunity to learn about the security features of euro banknotes and how to act in situations where a counterfeit is suspected. The course is available here: setelikurssi.suomenpankki.fi.

In a press release published today, the European Central Bank provides an overview of the situation regarding counterfeit euro banknotes.