Criminal activity rises with Danish counterfeit notes and European hotel scams

Authorities in Denmark and Europe are addressing distinct waves of fraudulent activity. In Denmark, Southeast Jutland Police have arrested two men from Horsens in connection with a counterfeit 500-krone note scheme. One 33-year-old and one 18-year-old have been remanded in custody. Investigators believe the suspects, possibly working with others, produced an unknown number of fake notes used at various shops and restaurants in Horsens, Skanderborg, Hedensted, and Fredericia. One suspect was found in possession of nine fake notes and a printer suitable for producing them.

Separately, a sophisticated scam targeting tourists across Europe is on the rise. Fraudsters are contacting travelers who have booked accommodations through major platforms like Booking.com, often posing as hotel staff. These criminals use highly accurate booking details—including full names, check-in dates, and reference numbers—to trick guests into revealing credit card information. This trend has been particularly noted in the Canary Islands. In response, Booking.com reported blocking 14 million fraudulent attempts in 2025, while Airbnb has launched warning campaigns for its users.