The Cypriot police have warned the public to keep a close eye on their cash after counterfeit €50 banknotes were detected across all districts of the Republic of Cyprus.
The National Banknote Analysis Center of the Police Criminal Investigation Service said 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 have urged consumers and businesses to carefully check banknotes during everyday transactions, especially as cash payments remain common in shops, restaurants and small businesses. Shop owners, are particularly 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.
Information about how to identify genuine euro banknotes is available through the European Central Bank’s official guidance.