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    How many counterfeit banknotes are found in Finland?

    How rare fake banknotes are in Finland.

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    Short answer

    Few. Verkkouutiset reported Bank of Finland figures showing 483 counterfeit euro banknotes found in Finland in 2025, compared with 714 in 2024 and 653 in 2023. The most common was the 50 euro note with 251 fakes, followed by the 20 euro note with 130 and the 10 euro note with 47. The Bank of Finland notes that relatively few counterfeits are found in Finland compared with other euro area countries.

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    Why

    1. The Bank of Finland reported 483 counterfeits found in 2025.
    2. The 50 euro note was the most counterfeited, with 251 fakes.
    3. The Bank of Finland says Finland has relatively few counterfeits by euro area standards.

    Details

    You can check a note by feeling the raised print, looking at the watermark against the light and tilting it to see the changing hologram.

    Tip

    The Bank of Finland has a free online course on banknote security features for anyone interested.

    What may differ

    Yearly figures go up and down. The numbers above cover 2021 to 2025.

    Common misconception

    Fake banknotes are common in Finnish shops.

    What actually happens

    Only a few hundred counterfeits are found each year.

    People also ask

    • What are dye-stained banknotes?
    • Can you exchange a damaged euro banknote?
    • Is cash legal tender in Finland?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Payment rules and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.

    Practical: communication, money, services
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