Total of 483 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 2025, the EUR 50 banknote was the most frequently found counterfeit note (251 counterfeits). 130 of all counterfeits were EUR 20 notes and 47 were EUR 10 notes.

”The number of counterfeit euro banknotes detected in circulation has decreased compared with the last year and the previous year, and remains small relative to the rest of the euro area. Although the probability of coming across a counterfeit banknote is very low, it is recommended that you always check the security features of banknotes when handling them,” says Olli Vehmas, Banknote Specialist at the Bank of Finland.

Banknote authenticity can be verified by checking the security features

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 (www.ecb.europa.eu), the European Central Bank provides an overview of the situation regarding counterfeit euro banknotes.