The number of counterfeit banknotes has increased in Ukraine. According to the results of 2024, there were 5.1 counterfeit banknotes per 1 million genuine banknotes, which is twice as much as in 2023, when this figure was 2.1. However, the National Bank of Ukraine assures that the situation remains under control and does not pose a threat to the country's economy.
Most often, fraudsters counterfeited banknotes in denominations of 200 and 500 hryvnias, mainly of the type issued before 2015. In particular, 78% of all seized counterfeits were 500-hryvnia banknotes, another 18% - 200-hryvnia. The remaining denominations (1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 1000 hryvnia) together accounted for only 4% of the total number of counterfeits.
According to NBU representatives, the increase in the number of counterfeit banknotes is explained by the fact that criminals have adapted to the realities of martial law and decided to check how effectively the banking and law enforcement system works in wartime.
Counterfeit banknotes are usually of poor quality and are designed to catch the attention of citizens and cashiers in retail establishments. At the same time, the new banknotes (from 2015) have an improved design and an improved security system that is not inferior to euro and US dollar banknotes.
How to distinguish a fake hryvnia
Experts advise checking banknotes in several ways.
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To the touch
- Paper quality: real banknotes have a characteristic texture, they are made of cotton fiber.
- Embossing of images: The portrait, denomination, and other elements on real banknotes have a convexity that can be felt with your fingers.
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Against the light
- Watermarks: a portrait that repeats the main image on the banknote, and the denomination of the note.
- Through-hole: A digital denomination that appears continuous without breaks when viewed against the light.
- Security tape: deeply embedded in the paper, contains an image of the denomination, the inscription “ГРН” and a trident.
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Changing the tilt angle
- Background elements: change color at different viewing angles.
- Polymer ribbon: contains the denomination and the coat of arms of Ukraine, has a kinetic effect.
If a counterfeit bill is discovered, the NBU recommends contacting law enforcement agencies or any bank for verification.
