Interbanking company Tiresias announced on Tuesday that bounced cheques in July reached 15,598, amounting to €392.9 million, with 53% of the amount corresponding to only 155 cheques. 

The total amount of bounced cheques has reached €1.381 billion in the period January-July 2011, while the amount of bounced cheques in July 2011 increased by 136.26% against July 2010. 

Unpaid bills of exchange in July 2011 amounted to 11,374 worth €18.7 million (€134.4 million since January 1), reflecting an increase of 17.21% compared with both June 2011 and July 2010.