Despite the counterfeit money seized in Portugal being of lower quality, the phenomenon is not slowing down, demonstrating constant growth. According to authorities, recent data indicate that counterfeit money is being seized before entering circulation, suggesting that Portugal is strengthening its oversight of this crime.

According to Correio da Manhã, the RASI states that most of these counterfeits are registered on lower-denomination notes. In 2025, 1393 counterfeit 5 euro notes were seized. Thus, there is a 296% increase compared to the 352 seized in 2024.

Lower quality counterfeits

Despite the increase in seizures, indicating more counterfeit money in circulation, the seized notes are losing quality. The banknotes have obvious flaws, which makes them easier for authorities to detect.

The Bank of Portugal also says it is easy to detect counterfeit banknotes because it is difficult to reproduce the security elements found in genuine banknotes. However, the risk remains in faster transactions, where verification is less frequent and counterfeit banknotes can go unnoticed.

Origin of the banknotes

According to RASI, most counterfeit banknotes originate in China and are sent to Portugal by mail, a more discreet, difficult-to-trace method.

This method allows criminal networks to disperse small quantities of counterfeit banknotes, reducing the risk of greater losses in case of seizure.

Fewer counterfeit banknotes

Despite the increase in seizures of low-denomination banknotes in circulation, 8,839 counterfeit banknotes were seized in 2025, 20% less than in 2024.

Despite the reduction in banknote seizures, the data do not indicate a corresponding decline in criminal activity. According to the authorities, this may even indicate that the seizures are occurring during the initial phase, not while they are already circulating.

How to avoid counterfeit notes

Those who use counterfeit money should pay attention to the notes they receive and use. Although there are few counterfeit notes in circulation, attempts may increase, especially with lower-denomination notes.

To assess a euro note, you should touch, observe and tilt the note, feel the different textures and see if all the elements mentioned by the authorities are present on the note.