The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) has urged the public to remain vigilant over information circulating on social media about alleged counterfeit banknotes in the West African Monetary Union (UMOA).

In a statement issued on Friday, Aug. 21, the central bank said some social media posts were promoting methods for identifying allegedly fake banknotes based on verification features that are not recognised by the BCEAO.

The BCEAO warned that relying on such unofficial methods could create confusion among users, potentially leading to counterfeit notes being accepted or genuine banknotes being wrongly rejected. The bank urged people to use only its official authentication procedures when checking banknotes.

The central bank also reiterated that it regularly works with authorities responsible for combating counterfeiting to safeguard the security of banknotes and coins in circulation across the eight UMOA member states: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

The BCEAO said it reserves the right to take legal action against those responsible for communications that could undermine public confidence in the currency it issues.

The warning does not, in itself, confirm a new widespread wave of counterfeit banknotes across the UMOA. It primarily concerns misleading information and unofficial authentication techniques being circulated online. The BCEAO has advised the public to consult its official guidance on banknote security features.