Portugal warns of fake banknotes after teen's arrest over counterfeit cash
Police in Portugal have warned the public about counterfeit banknotes after a 17-year-old girl was charged in connection with fake currency. The notes, sharing the same serial number but differing in security features, were identified during an investigation.
Authorities are now urging people to check their money carefully to avoid falling victim to fraud. The counterfeit banknotes all carried the same denomination and serial number (PB1616888888). However, differences in paper texture, watermarks, and security threads revealed they were fake. The Public Security Police (PSP) confirmed the arrest of a teenage girl linked to the case.
The PSP has advised the public to inspect banknotes for key security features. These include paper quality, watermarks, holograms, and the embedded security thread. They also recommend caution when receiving high-value notes for small transactions or if the print quality appears poor.
If a counterfeit note is discovered, it should not be returned to the person who handed it over. Instead, the police must be contacted immediately. Reports should include details such as the location, time, payment method, and any witnesses or CCTV footage available.
No official cases of counterfeiting for this specific banknote series have been recorded in Portugal since the investigation began. Public records show no relevant data on wider circulation of these fakes. The PSP stresses that quick reporting and vigilance are essential to prevent fake money from spreading. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to stay alert and follow security checks when handling cash. Failure to act could allow counterfeit notes to remain in circulation undetected.
