Special attention should be paid to the 20 and 50 euro banknotes. Everyone who holds money in euros should know this.
Fake euro banknotes have been circulating in Germany for a long time. In 2024, the Bundesbank registered 72,400 counterfeit banknotes across the country. This is 28% more than in 2023.
"Criminals most often counterfeited twenties and fifties," says Burkhard Balz, responsible for cash at the executive board of the Bundesbank.
In 2024, counterfeiters focused on small denominations. This means that they likely caused lesser damage. According to the Bundesbank, the potential amount of damage decreased from about 5 to 4.5 million euros.
"Most counterfeits were easy to recognize," said Balz, a member of the Bundesbank board. The banknotes had the inscription "Movie Money" or "Prop Copy."
Originally, these banknotes were intended for movie or theater props.