On March 7, 2026, authorities in Utena, Lithuania, reported the receipt of a complaint regarding a counterfeit €100 bill. The counterfeit note was allegedly dispensed from an ATM located on J. Basanavičius Street on February 24. Following this incident, the police have initiated a preliminary investigation into the production, possession, or distribution of counterfeit currency.

This incident raises concerns about the security measures in place at ATMs and the potential risks to consumers who may unknowingly receive counterfeit money. The police are working to identify the source of the fake bill and to ascertain whether additional counterfeit notes might be in circulation. Law enforcement officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious currency.

Counterfeit currency is a significant issue for both consumers and financial institutions, impacting trust in the banking system. The investigation's outcome could lead to enhanced security protocols for ATMs to prevent future occurrences of counterfeit currency being dispensed.