Fake ₹500 Note? Identify the Difference in Just 10 Seconds with RBI Guidelines

Growing Threat: Counterfeit ₹500 Notes in Circulation

As cases of counterfeit currency rise across India, fake ₹500 notes have become a major concern for individuals and authorities alike. Despite the government’s efforts and the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) repeated alerts, counterfeiters continue to produce notes that closely resemble genuine ones. In this scenario, knowing how to identify a real ₹500 note quickly is crucial to protect yourself from financial loss and potential legal trouble.

Key RBI-Approved Security Features to Spot a Real ₹500 Note

The RBI outlines specific security features for ₹500 banknotes that allow easy verification:

1. Quality of Paper and Printing

Genuine ₹500 notes are printed on special, durable paper with a distinctive texture. Authentic notes have sharp, clear printing, while fake notes may feel thin, tear easily, and show blurred or faded printing.

2. Watermarks and See-Through Register

When held against light:

• A watermark featuring Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait and an electrotype 500 becomes visible.

• The See-through Register aligns perfectly, displaying the numeral “500.”

In counterfeit notes, these elements are often missing, misaligned, or unclear.

3. Security Thread, Latent Image, and Colour Shift

• A security thread running through the center appears green when viewed directly and blue when tilted, with “Bharat” and “RBI” inscriptions.

• The latent image of the numeral “500” near Gandhi’s portrait becomes visible only when the note is tilted at an angle.

• The bottom-right numeral “500” changes color from green to blue upon tilting.

Fake notes typically fail to replicate these dynamic features accurately.

4. Intaglio Printing and Micro Lettering

• Raised printing (Intaglio) of Gandhi’s portrait, the Ashoka Pillar emblem, and tactile marks for the visually impaired are present in genuine notes.

• Micro-lettering near Gandhi’s image contains tiny, clear “Bharat” and “INDIA” inscriptions.

Counterfeit versions often lack the tactile feel and clarity.

5. Serial Numbers and Additional Identifiers

• Serial numbers on real notes gradually increase in size from left to right on the top-left panel.

• On the reverse side, genuine notes feature clear images of the Red Fort, the Swachh Bharat logo, a language panel listing denominations in 15 languages, and the year of printing.

In fake notes, these elements are frequently misprinted, misplaced, or absent.

What To Do If You Detect a Fake Note

If you suspect you have received a counterfeit ₹500 note:

• Do not attempt to use or circulate it, as it is illegal.

• Separate the suspected note and visit the nearest bank branch for verification.

• If needed, file a report with the police, especially if the source of the note is known.

Opting for digital payments through UPI, mobile wallets, debit cards, and other cashless options can significantly reduce the risk of encountering counterfeit notes.

Important Fact Check

According to the official RBI guidelines, errors like spelling mistakes (“RESERVA” instead of “RESERVE”) are not recognized security features. Authenticity must be verified through the approved methods outlined above, ensuring reliable identification.