In 2015, a total of 1,085 counterfeits were detected among euro banknotes in circulation in Finland.
‘The number of counterfeits increased in 2015, compared with the previous four-year trend. However, in examining counterfeit banknotes removed from circulation in Finland since the adoption of the euro, this number can be regarded as reflecting normal annual variation. The threshold of 1,000 counterfeits was last breached in 2010’, says Miika Syrjänen, Head of Division, from the Bank of Finland.
Compared with other euro area countries, the numbers of counterfeit euro banknotes in Finland are still modest, due partly to the good condition of the banknotes. In November 2015, the new EUR 20 banknote entered into circulation. New security features render the counterfeiting of the note more difficult than before.
Of the different denominations of banknotes, the EUR 20 was the most frequently discovered counterfeit banknote in Finland (538 counterfeits) in 2015, followed by EUR 50 (339 counterfeits) and EUR 100 (66 counterfeits).
A number of security features have been incorporated into euro banknotes for recognising genuine banknotes. Banknote authenticity can be checked using the simple and well-known FEEL-LOOK-TILT test. In case of doubt, a suspected banknote should be compared directly with one that is known to be genuine. Instructions and guides for checking banknote authenticity can be found on the Bank of Finland website (http:/globalassets//globalassets/www.suomenpankki.fi).
Year
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Number of counterfeits
1,052
827
620
427
502
1,085