Newsroom
Police are warning the public to keep a close eye on their cash after counterfeit €50 banknotes were detected across all districts of the Republic of Cyprus.
According to the National Banknote Analysis Center of the Police Criminal Investigation Service, the fake notes share a common feature: their serial numbers begin with the Latin letters “WR.” Authorities say the counterfeit bills have already appeared in multiple provinces, raising concern that more may still be in circulation.
Police are urging both consumers and businesses to carefully check banknotes during everyday transactions, especially as cash payments remain common in shops, restaurants and small businesses. Shop owners, in particular, are advised to verify notes using counterfeit-detection machines approved by the European Central Bank before accepting them.
Officials say anyone who discovers a suspicious banknote should not attempt to reuse it. Instead, the note should be confiscated and reported immediately to the nearest police station or the local Crime Detection Department.
Authorities stressed that recognizing fake currency is often easier than people think, encouraging the public to familiarize themselves with euro security features such as watermarks, holograms and texture differences. Information about how to identify genuine euro banknotes is available through the European Central Bank’s official guidance.
The warning comes as police step up monitoring efforts, reminding citizens that counterfeit money cases often spread quickly once fake notes enter circulation, especially when people fail to report them promptly.
Police say investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the counterfeit bills and prevent further distribution.
Police contact numbers:
- Nicosia CDD: 22802222
- Limassol CDD: 25805057
- Larnaca CDD: 24804060
- Paphos CDD: 26806021
- Famagusta CDD: 23803040
- Morphou CDD: 22802552
Authorities are urging the public to remain alert: when it comes to cash, a quick check could save you €50.
