In Ukraine, more fake hryvnias have become: how to recognize fake

In Ukraine, the number of fake banknotes has increased. According to the results of 2024, the 1 million real notes accounted for 5.1 fake, 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 controlled and does not pose a threat to the country's economy.

Most often, fraudsters were forged by banknotes of 200 and 500 hryvnias, mainly a sample released by 2015. In particular, 78% of all seized counterfeits accounted for 500 hryvnia bills, another 18% for 200 hryvnia. The rest of the denominations (1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 1000 UAH) together amounted to only 4% of the total number of counterfeits.

According to the NBU representatives, the increase in the number of false banknotes is explained by the fact that the attackers have adapted to the realities of martial law and decided to check how efficient the banking and law enforcement system works in war.

Fake bills are usually poor quality and are designed for inattention of citizens and cashiers in trade establishments. At the same time, new sample banknotes (since 2015) have an improved design and improved protection system that is not inferior to the euro and the US dollar.

How to distinguish fake hryvnia

Experts advise you to check banknotes in several ways.

1. To the touch

   • Quality of paper: real bills have a characteristic texture, they are made of cotton fiber.
   • Image relief: portrait, face value and other elements on real notes have a convexity that can be felt.

2. Against light

   • Water signs: a portrait that repeats the main image on the banknote and the denomination of the bill.
   • Cross -cutting element: a digital nominal designation that looks integral without breaks when considering light.
   • Protective tape: deeply immersed in paper, contains images of face value, inscription "UAH" and trident.

3. Changing the angle of inclination

   • Background elements: change color at different viewing angles.
   • Polymer tape: contains denomination and coat of arms of Ukraine, has a kinetic effect.

In case of detection of a false bill, the NBU recommends that you contact law enforcement or any bank for inspection.