The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) has reacted by warning the public against the dissemination, on social networks, of information about the circulation of counterfeit banknotes in the UEMOA area and presenting identification methods that are not validated by the issuing institute.
In a statement released on August 21, 2026, the BCEAO emphasizes that the use of unofficial authentication methods can mislead users. These practices may lead to the acceptance of counterfeit notes as well as the unjustified rejection of authentic notes.
Faced with the spread of this information, the central bank urges the population to be vigilant and invites them to refer exclusively to its official sources. It recommends in particular consulting its website, in the “Banknotes and coins” section, to obtain reliable information on the monetary signs issued by the institution.
Finally, the BCEAO reminds that it reserves the right to take legal action against authors of communications that may undermine public trust in the banknotes and coins in circulation in the UEMOA area.
