Storing all that money is an extra expense and may prove tempting to would-be burglars. Others are worried that waiting until the last minute to give people euro cash will make them more susceptible to scam artists and counterfeit currency because they won't have familiarized themselves with the new cash. The kits don't have any euro bills. Adding to the worry is the fact ATM machines in many countries won't immediately be stocked with euros, meaning people will have to wait even longer to get their hands on the new currency. Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and Austria predict that nearly every ATM machine in the country will be loaded with euros on Jan. 1 in a massive overnight push.
Most countries plan to stock the bulk of their machines by the end of the first week, however.
And as Duisenberg points out, a New Year's Day onslaught on banks and ATM machines is unlikely because most stores will be closed for the holiday. Copyright 2001, The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP Online news report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Please read it.