The number of counterfeits continues decreasing

Counterfeit and altered banknotes and coins and imitations of banknotes and coins in the Czech Republic in 2013

A total of 3,130 counterfeit and altered banknotes and coins of various currencies, denominations and versions were seized in the Czech Republic in 2013, a decrease of 1,384 compared to 2012. Their value was CZK 6.178 million (CZK 0.237 million less than in 2012).

“Czech banknotes and coins are safe. The number of counterfeits is falling over time and they still pose a relatively low threat. They are usually made on inkjet or laser printers, which makes them easy to detect,” said CNB Bank Board Member Lubomír Lízal.

“Counterfeits of foreign global currencies, for example the euro and the US dollar, are more dangerous. Their counterfeiters often use traditional printing techniques and try to create good imitations of protective elements. Such counterfeits are therefore more dangerous in terms of ‘ quality’. It still holds, however, that if people have at least a basic awareness of payment media protection, they should spot the counterfeits,” added Lubomír Lízal.

A total of 2,045 counterfeit and altered Czech banknotes and coins were seized in 2013, down by 1,541 from the previous year.

The number of counterfeit foreign banknotes and coins increased by 157 to 1,085.

In addition to counterfeit banknotes and coins, 846 imitations of banknotes and coins were seized last year. The total number of forged banknotes and coins was thus 3,976.

Of all the counterfeit and altered banknotes and coins, 2,789 were seized in circulation, 807 fewer than in 2012. The Czech police seized 341 banknotes and coins prior to circulation, 577 fewer than in 2012.

A total of 2,045 counterfeit and altered Czech banknotes and coins were seized in 2013 – 1,985 counterfeit banknotes, 37 counterfeit coins and 23 altered banknotes and coins. These were worth a total of CZK 1.887 million (compared to CZK 3.745 million in 2012). The value of the counterfeits is lower because a lower number of counterfeits of higher denominations were seized. Compared to 2012, the number of counterfeit banknotes and coins fell by 1,472 and 76 respectively and the number of altered banknotes and coins rose by 7. There were thus 2.04 counterfeits per 10,000 inhabitants (compared to 3.58 in 2012).

In 2013, a total of 1,085 counterfeit foreign banknotes and coins were seized in the Czech Republic, up by 157 on 2012. Their value converted according to the exchange rate list as of 31 December 2013 exceeded CZK 4.290 million (compared to CZK 2.670 million in 2012). The number of counterfeit euro banknotes and coins rose by 173 in 2013. The number of counterfeit US dollars continues to trend downward. The decrease compared to 2012 was not significant, but 103 is a low number.

2013 – Counterfeit and altered banknotes and coins seized in circulation and by the Czech police in the Czech Republic

2012 – Counterfeit and altered banknotes and coins seized in circulation and by the Czech police in the Czech Republic

Marek Petruš, CNB spokesman