A total 507,000 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation in the second – 44 per cent more than in the same period the previous year, according to the European Central Bank,

The number of counterfeits, however, remained very low in comparison with the increasing number of genuine banknotes in circulation - more than 16 billion during the second half of 2014.

The ECB said that since the first euro series was issued, the ECB and national central banks of the euro area urged people to stay vigilant when receiving banknotes.

Genuine banknotes could be easily recognised with the simple “feel, look and tilt” method described on the euro pages of the ECB’s website and the websites of the national central banks.

People receiving suspect banknotes should contact the police or the national central bank.

 

 

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