# Counterfeit currency circulation in Mexico and Spain

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/counterfeit-currency-circulation-in-mexico-and-spain
> Updated: 2026-08-13T18:18:05.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Authorities in Mexico and Spain are responding to the circulation of counterfeit currency. In Mexico City, police arrested a woman in the Cuauhtémoc borough after she allegedly attempted to use fake 500-peso bills. During the arrest, officials seized 81 suspected counterfeit notes and various forged documents, including passports, voter IDs, and birth certificates.

Following these developments, warnings have been issued to merchants in both Spain and Mexico. In Tenerife, the Spanish National Police advised businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors to use the “touch, tilt, and look” method to verify banknotes. Meanwhile, in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, street vendors have increased their use of ultraviolet lamps and detection pens to guard against fraudulent 200 and 500 peso notes.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: Counterfeit currency alerts issued for merchants in Spain and Mexico

Authorities in Spain and merchants in Mexico are increasing vigilance and using detection tools to combat a rise in counterfeit banknote circulation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/counterfeit-currency-alerts-issued-for-merchants-in-spain-and-mexico

### 2026-08-09: Mexico City police arrest woman for suspected counterfeiting

A woman was arrested in Mexico City's Cuauhtémoc borough after attempting to use counterfeit 500-peso bills and possessing various forged documents and currency imitations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-city-police-arrest-woman-for-suspected-counterfeiting

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Cite as: Counterfeit currency circulation in Mexico and Spain. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/counterfeit-currency-circulation-in-mexico-and-spain