Counterfeit money alarm in Manching: Police warn of counterfeit 50 euro notes!

Counterfeit money alarm in Manching: Police warn of counterfeit 50 euro notes!

In Manching, in the Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm district, a worrying situation has emerged since the end of September: unknown people are distributing counterfeit 50-euro notes, which were apparently laid out with the aim of being found by unwary passers-by. This distribution of counterfeit money took place between September 27th and October 2nd, and the police were informed of several cases in which the flowers were discovered in the residential area between the Autobahn and Lindenstrasse. How Mercury According to reports, investigators assume that the false banknotes were deliberately placed in order to possibly defraud people or lure them into a trap.

The counterfeit notes are banknotes that look confusingly similar to the real 50 euro notes. However, they have serious deficiencies: The usual security features, such as holograms, watermarks and tactile reliefs, are often not present. In addition, these flowers bear imprints such as “Copy”, “Prop Copy” or “Movie Money”, which increases the risk for those who find them of unknowingly picking up counterfeit money.

Police warning

The police have now started an investigation and are urgently looking for witnesses. It is unclear whether the distribution of the counterfeit money is intended as a joke or there is another motivation behind it. There has already been a rise in counterfeit €20 notes in the past, making the problem even more pressing. The Danube Courier also reports that several people had already circulated counterfeit money in Manching during the period in question.

Anyone who finds or receives counterfeit banknotes should under no circumstances use them for payments, as this can result in criminal consequences. The Ingolstadt criminal police are asking for the public's help if they have information about suspicious observations. Violations not only entail legal consequences, but can also result in the unintentional deception of inexperienced passers-by.

Counterfeit money statistics in Germany

A survey by the Deutsche Bundesbank shows that the spread of counterfeit money has become a growing problem throughout Germany over the years. According to a publication issued on July 25, 2025, the data collection covers the period from 2005 to the first half of 2025 and highlights current trends in the counterfeiting of euro banknotes. It is important to educate yourself about such statistics to promote increased awareness of the dangers of counterfeit money. Further information about this is available via Statista available.

The situation in Manching is a clear wake-up call for all citizens to be vigilant and aware of the dangers of counterfeit money. If you see anything suspicious, you should contact the police as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and to catch the perpetrators.