Fake RS 500 Note Alert: RBI Issues Urgent Warning To The Public

by

On April 22, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs sounded the alarm about counterfeit ₹500 notes of high quality circulating across the country. These notes are pretty much replicas of the real currency with respect to printing, ink, and papermaking materials, so that one can hardly spot the fake counterfeit with naked eyes.

Key Identifier: Spelling Mistake In ‘RESERVE BANK OF INDIA’

The primary distinguishing feature of these counterfeit notes lies in a very subtle misspelling. The misspelling occurs where “RESERVE” has been spelled as “RESARVE,” the first ‘E’ being replaced by an ‘A’ citeturn0search2. The misspelling is so minor that it can be easily overlooked while checking currency notes, underscoring the need for such careful checking. 

Got Suspicious? Call In The Agencies

In light of such a trend, the MHA has being alerted, along with other possible agents, the DRI, Financial Intelligence Unit [FIU], Central Bureau of Investigation [CBI], National Investigation Agency [NIA] and Securities and Exchange Board of India [SEBI]. The banks and financial institutions have also been advised to remain .extra-vigilant while handling cash.

How Do You Identify A Fake ₹500 Note?

While taking precautions to avoid counterfeit currency, look for the following:

  1. Spelling of ‘RESERVE BANK OF INDIA’: Ensure you can see the correct spelling; no misspellings should be noted. The word “RESERVE” is to be spelled correctly.
  2. Security Thread: The thread inside the genuine note changes color from green to blue during tilting.
  3. Watermark: Hold the note against your light so as to view Mahatma Gandhi’s image and carry an electrotype watermark of ₹500 on the right side.
  4. Micro-lettering: Look for the words in tiny letters that say “Bharat” and “India.”
  5. Embossed Printing: Feel the embossed printing on the Ashoka Pillar emblem, Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait, and various other symbols that identify these features to physically challenged people.
  6. Printing Quality: Authentic notes should have clean printing with sharp images. Counterfeit notes will have images of bad quality with faded or blurred appearance.
  7. Swachh Bharat Logo and Year of Printing: These two details are printed clearly in the respective space. 

Advisory For Public

Citizens are advised to be alert and report any suspicious currency notes to the nearest police station or bank by the RBI and the MHA. With their ability to stay informed and alert, people can inhibit the circulation of counterfeit currency. 

For more detailed information, please refer to the alerts issued by the RBI and the MHA.

Also Read: Private Sector Pension Hike: EPS Increased To RS 7,500, Know The Changes

Leave a Comment