Home » Travel » Travel Tips » Euros, how to recognize forged and fake currency
Business Travel Tips

Euros, how to recognize forged and fake currency

On  May 2nd 2002,   the euro became official currency of the EU. And, as a consequence, in Italy, too.

Fake euros

And, as a consequence, fake euros followed suit.

The spread of fake euros

New currency meant citizens had to get acquainted with the value of notes and coins. But also with the way the euros looked and felt. Hence, the newfound concept of forged money. The problem is not confined to Italian boundaries. Indeed, it goes beyond national limits and it becomes European.

Since the currency is used within an extensive area, the euro has become profitable in the trafficking market. More than the old, Italian liras. Between 2015 and 2018, 464.495 euros have been forged in Italy. And the most beloved fake euros note is the 50 and 100. In Italy, this forgery takes up 73% of the European forgery market.

So, it’s useful to know the telltale signs of fake euros.

Tips for you

If you follow these tips, you will be able to elude forgery.

The first step is the analysis is the consistency of the banknote. The lucidity of the paper also reveals that the banknote is forged. In fact, authentic euros feature a more opaque paper.

Next to this general indications, there are other important clues. Such as:

  • authentic currency feature a the relief of the main image. This detail is created with a special ink that gives a thicker depth to the main elements of the euro;
  • the watermark allows you to see the original motif and the figure indicating the value of the banknote;
  • on the upper corners of the real banknotes you will find the nominal digits printed that perfectly combine in order to form the number against the light;
  • if you put the banknote against the light you will see a dark line that crosses the banknote, where there is written the word euro and the nominal value in tiny writing;
  • there is a shiny strip that appears moving the banknote and the banknote is of an iridescent color;
  • a hologram appears moving the banknote and it shows the value of the banknote and the image of a window or a portal.

Follow these tips and you won’t find any fake euros. Of course, forgery is always improving. To find out the latest news, check out these associations: the Ufficio centrale del falso monetario, The Money forgery Central office, and the Ufficio centrale antifrode dei mezzi di pagamenti.

Everything is coordinated in cooperation with the police, the Italian military police and the Revenue Police.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments