Share of counterfeit banknotes in Slovenia remains small

The proportion of counterfeit money relative to all euro banknotes and coins in circulation in Slovenia remains small. Working in cooperation with the Slovenian Police, Banka Slovenije has established that the number of counterfeit banknotes and coins removed from circulation did in fact increase last year compared to 2021, but the total value of detected euro forgeries has declined. Here Banka Slovenije should reiterate that the likelihood of receiving counterfeit euro cash remains relatively low.

The total value of detected counterfeit euro cash fell by 9% last year compared to the previous year. The number of withdrawn high-value euro banknotes fell, while the number of withdrawn medium-value counterfeit euro notes increased. 

A total of 952 counterfeit euro banknotes and 6,320 counterfeit euro coins were withdrawn from circulation in 2022, which is up 59% and 155% respectively on 2021. The 50-euro note remains the most commonly counterfeited, while the 2-euro is the coin most frequently withdrawn as counterfeit. 

Here Banka Slovenije should reiterate that the likelihood of receiving counterfeit euro cash remains relatively low. The number of counterfeit euro coins and banknotes in circulation remains small. It should be added that passing counterfeits for payment is a criminal offence. 

Together with the ECB and the other national central banks in the euro area, Banka Slovenije reminds consumers that they can check the authenticity of euro banknotes using the simple feel, look and tilt method, as described in detail on the Banka Slovenije and ECB websites. If you receive a suspicious banknote or coin, compare it directly with one that you know is genuine. If your suspicion is confirmed, inform the police without delay.

Banka Slovenije has also found that developments in the euro area are similar.
 
Figure 1: Comparison of the denomination breakdown of counterfeit euro banknotes withdrawn from circulation, 2020 to 2022

Source: Banka Slovenije. 

Figure 2: Comparison of the denomination breakdown of counterfeit euro coins withdrawn from circulation, 2020 to 2022

Source: Banka Slovenije.