The Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have issued an alert regarding the circulation of fake Rs 500 notes.
According to the Finance Ministry, the number of counterfeit Rs 500 notes in circulation has increased, and many of these fakes closely resemble real notes.
To help avoid falling victim to fake currency, the government has advised the public to be cautious with cash transactions and to verify the authenticity of notes.
Some useful tips can be easily followed using your smartphone.
Here are ways to identify fake Rs 500 notes:
Check the Mahatma Gandhi Watermark
The photo of Mahatma Gandhi on a genuine Rs 500 note should be sharp and clear.
When held against the light, you’ll see a watermark with Gandhiji’s image and the word ‘500’ in it. Fake notes often have a blurry or faint watermark.
Color-Changing Numbers
Tilt the note slightly, and if the number “500” doesn’t change color from green to blue, it’s likely a fake. This feature is unique to real notes and helps identify authenticity.
Security Thread and Intaglio Print
A genuine note has a silver security thread running through it, with ‘Bharat’ and ‘RBI’ written in it.
It also features an embossed image of Gandhiji and other text that can be felt by touch. Fake notes often lack this feature or have poorly done prints.
Micro Lettering and Serial Number Alignment
Very small letters such as “RBI” and “500” are printed at the bottom of the note, which can be seen by zooming in with a camera.
Additionally, the serial number on genuine notes will be small on one side and large on the other. Fake notes often lack this alignment or have inconsistencies.
Use the RBI’s ‘MANI’ App
The RBI has launched the ‘MANI’ (Mobile Aided Note Identifier) app, which is designed for visually impaired individuals to identify denominations.
While the app isn’t meant for detecting fake notes, if it fails to identify the note repeatedly, it could be a sign of a fake.
Quick Check with Smartphone Camera and Flash
Use your smartphone’s high-resolution camera to zoom in and check for micro text, alignment, and printing quality.
You can also use the flash to highlight security features like the security thread.
Compare with Official Images
If you’re unsure, compare the note with an official image from the RBI website or the official guide. Fake notes often show differences in color tone, font, or spacing.
What to Do If You Have a Fake Note:
If you suspect that a note is fake, report it immediately to the nearest police station or bank.
Be especially cautious when accepting cash from unorganized sources like local shopkeepers or street vendors.
