In 2025, Polish law on counterfeit money remains very restrictive. A 44-year-old resident of Lublin, who paid for purchases in the bakery with a 200 zł banknote, found this to be a fake toy banknote. This incidental results in charges being filed against him, and in worst case, it may even end 8 years in prison. This communicative shows how serious the consequences of utilizing counterfeit money are, even in seemingly insignificant situations.
Counterfeit of money in Poland – current regulations and sanctions
Polish criminal law regulates the counterfeiting and usage of counterfeit banknotes in the Act of 6 June 1997 – Criminal Code, in Articles 270 and 271. According to the applicable legislation, who falsifies money or uses false means of paymentis sentenced to imprisonment from 6 months to 8 years.
As Dr. Katarzyna Nowak, a criminal law expert from the University of Warsaw emphasizes:
“The law treats people who usage counterfeit money harshly, even if they were toy or thought worthless. This action undermines assurance in the financial strategy and economical stability."
In 2024, the number of counterfeits proceedings increased by 12% compared to the erstwhile year, which shows that this problem does not vanish from law enforcement.
False banknotes – the scale of the problem in Poland
According to the National Bank of Poland (NBP) data, more than 15,000 counterfeit banknotes of various denominations were retained and withdrawn in 2024. The most frequently counterfeited are banknotes with higher denominations specified as PLN 200 and PLN 500, due to their higher value and popularity in cash transactions.
NBP experts inform that the increase in the number of counterfeit banknotes is partially linked to easier access to modern 3D printing technologies and advanced copy machines, facilitating the production of advanced quality counterfeits.
Case from Lublin – details and legal consequences
In this case, the man paid 200 zł banknote for bread in the local bakery. However, the cashier noted that the banknote was different — it had toy money features, which made her suspicious. After reporting to the police, officers rapidly identified the perpetrator who confessed.
The detainee may be charged with a criminal offence in accordance with Article 270 of the Criminal Code, which entails the anticipation of a conviction of up to 8 years.
According to lawyer Piotr Zalewski:
"In practice, if the offender admits guilt and has no erstwhile legal problems, the punishment may be more mild. However, the fact that you usage a fake banknote, even a toy banknote, is already a serious crime."
The Importance of Education and Public Awareness
In the face of an expanding amount of counterfeit money on the market, experts item the request to educate the public on the designation of first banknotes. The National Bank of Poland conducts regular information and training campaigns for employees of shops and financial institutions.
In 2025, an intensification of these activities was planned – including through the introduction of modern mobile applications, which let to rapidly verify the authenticity of the banknote utilizing a scanner or camera on the phone.
As Dr. Joanna Kwiatkowska of the NBP says:
"The awareness of society is crucial in the fight against counterfeiting. The more people know the safety features of banknotes, the more hard it is for counterfeiters to act.”
What to do erstwhile you get a fake bill?
If a client or seller suspects that he has received a counterfeit bill, he should immediately notify the police. Under the law, a counterfeit banknote is not a means of payment and cannot be exchanged in a bank for real money.
Trade point workers should be aware of procedures to deal with specified situations in order to avoid financial losses. It is besides worth utilizing available tools to verify the authenticity of cash.
The future of the payment strategy and the function of cash
Despite the increasing popularity of non-cash payments, cash remains an crucial component of the Polish economy. According to the April 2025 study of the National Bank of Poland, about 55% of retail transactions in Poland are inactive carried out in cash.
Therefore, the fight against counterfeit banknotes remains crucial to the stableness of the financial market. Modern technologies, education and tightened regulations aim to minimise risks and defend consumers and businesses.
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He tried to pay 200 PLN with a banknote – he is facing 8 years in prison
