Rise in Counterfeit $100 Bills Across Ukraine
Ukraine has seen an increase in fake $100 banknotes, prompting the National Bank to urge citizens to exercise caution when exchanging currency. The safest method is to use official banks, which offer stronger protection against fraud. According to the National Bank, around 3.4 counterfeits per million genuine bills were detected in the first half of 2024—an uptick, yet still below the pre-war level of 7.1 fakes per million.
How to Spot Genuine $100 Bills
The US dollar is the most counterfeited currency, with fraudsters particularly targeting $100 notes. Two types of these bills are in circulation: older ones issued before 2013 and newer ones from 2013 onward. Citizens should check for authenticity features to avoid financial losses.
Key indicators to verify include:
- a clear watermark embedded in the paper structure;
- a security holographic strip on newer bills;
- a bell element in the inkwell that changes color when tilted;
- printing on dense paper with noticeable texture;
- microprinting across the entire surface.
Exchanging currency in unofficial places—such as streets, markets, or near train stations—carries extra risk. To minimize the chance of encountering a counterfeit, experts recommend only using verified, official institutions.
The rise in counterfeit $100 bills in Ukraine underscores the need for caution during currency exchange. Although the counterfeit rate remains below pre-war levels, the National Bank advises citizens to carefully inspect banknotes and rely on official services. This can help prevent financial losses and reduce fraud risk, especially amid economic uncertainty.
As the counterfeit rate for $100 bills rises, it's worth noting that the rate of counterfeit hryvnias has significantly decreased. In 2025, only 1.7 fraudulent banknotes per million were reported, indicating a marked improvement in the security of the national currency. For more insights on the trends in counterfeit currency and their implications, read about the decline in counterfeit hryvnias.