The amount of counterfeit euro notes in circulation has risen by 18% say experts. Last year alone, 27 large scale operations by security forces tracked down a significant quantity of dummy money but despite this, the number of false notes in circulation is on the rise.
The Bank of Spain’s investigators, part of the Judicial Police, made a record 216 arrests last year. The excellent arrest record has been attributed to, among other things, better cooperation with other police forces.
Approximately 860,000 counterfeit notes were taken out of circulation by the European Central Bank, 8% more than in 2008, and 54% more than in 2004.
To spot a fake euro note, do the feel-look-tilt test. Feeling will allow you to spot that some areas of the ink are more thickly printed, holding to the light reveals the watermark, while tilting a genuine note will allow you to see the hologram change from its value to an image of a window or door. Remember that while €50 notes are the most widely forged, you should check all your notes, whether you are accepting payment or change.