THE FIGHT AGAINST COUNTERFEITING: SECURITY MEASURES

Very advanced printing technology is used in the manufacture of euro notes.

The euro notes have incorporated a series of well-identified security features that have a dissuasive effect, and which make it possible to easily distinguish legitimate notes from counterfeit ones without the need to use any special equipment. There is a series of security elements that can be checked:

• “Feel”: the process incorporates a raised print that gives the notes a unique feel;
• “Look”: if the note is held up to the light, the watermark, security thread and see-through register can be observed; all these features can be seen from both sides of the note; 
• “Tilt”:
  • On the obverse side of lower denomination notes, the shifting image of the hologram foils strip can be seen; and
  • On the obverse side of higher denomination notes the hologram can be seen.
• "Tilt”: 
  • On the reverse side, the brilliance of the iridescent stripe can be seen; and
  • On the reverse side, the ink changes colour.

If a note does not pass the “feel, look and tilt” test, it is likely that it is a counterfeit note and it should not be accepted, and the Police or the national authorities should be informed immediately.

In check that a note is authentic, any person can take it to a bank office where the authenticity of the note will be checked using special cash handling equipment. It is important to remember where, when and from whom the note was received as this information can help to locate the counterfeiters.

A crime is being committed if it is known or suspected that a note is counterfeit and a payment is then made using this note.

Bearing in mind that counterfeit notes have no value, no compensation is received when one is handed over to an institution or entity.

COUNTERFEIT ANALYSIS CENTRE

The European Central Bank (ECB) carefully monitors technological advances in the world of printing and reproduction as well as any developments related to the detection of counterfeit currency.

The technical and statistical data concerning counterfeit notes and coins shall be gathered and catalogued by the Centre Nacional d'Anàlisi (CNA) and the Centre Nacional d'Anàlisi de Monedes (CNAM) with the collaboration of the Oficina Central Nacional (OCN). The AFA sends these data to the ECB for storage and processing.

These data are analysed by the Central Banks of the Eurozone and by the Counterfeit Analysis Centre of the ECB which is responsible for coordinating technical and statistical information on counterfeiting. This information is kept in the database of the Centre and it is made available to the national security forces and other bodies that participate in the fight against counterfeiting.

The CNA, CNAM or OCN, through the AFA, and the European Commission have access to all the technical and statistical data of the ECB.