Banking
RBI report: Increase in Fake Notes of 200,500; Know How to Identify Genuine Notes

According to a recent report by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), there has been a significant increase in the number of fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) of ₹200 and ₹500 denominations. In the financial year 2022-23, there was a 14.4% increase in ₹500 notes and a marginal increase in ₹200 notes, with 91,110 ₹500 and 27,258 ₹200 fake notes detected. In addition, identifying genuine notes is essential to curb illicit activities and the impact of counterfeit notes on the economy.
How to Identify Genuine Notes?
According to RBI and other sources, the following features can help in identifying genuine notes:
- Texture and Paper Quality: Genuine notes are made of a specific paper, which has a rough texture. Fake notes usually feel smooth or very soft.
- Raised Printing: The statue of Mahatma Gandhi and other specific parts have raised printing (restrained printing), which can be felt by touch. This is absent or poorly done in fake notes.
- Watermark: The image of Mahatma Gandhi holding the note up to the light and the ‘500’ or ‘200’ appear in electrotype. The watermark may be blurred or absent on fake notes.
- Security Thread: Genuine notes have a security thread, which changes colour with the words ‘India’ and ‘RBI’ when pressed against the note. In counterfeit notes, this is a printed imitation, which lacks the depth and colour-changing effect.
- Micro-lettering: ‘RBI’ and the denomination of the note are written in small letters between the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi and the security thread, which can be seen with a magnifying glass. In fake notes, this is blurred, missing or misspelled.
- Serial Number: The serial number on genuine notes has the same font size, spacing, and correct layout. Fake notes may have disorganized numbers or a different font.
- Denomination Script: The denomination is written in English and Devanagari on the front of the note and in 15 regional languages on the back. In fake notes, the font style may be inconsistent or the regional language may be poorly printed.
- Ink Quality: Genuine notes use high-quality ink. In fake notes, the ink may be smeared, the colors may appear faded, or the printing may be uneven.
- Mahatma Gandhi’s Portrait: In genuine notes, Gandhi’s portrait is in the middle and is clear and sharp.It may be unclear or poorly printed on fake notes.
- Guarantee and Promise Clause: The Guarantee and Promise Clause is located on the right side of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi along with the signature of the Governor. It may be unclear or absent on fake notes.
- Number Panel: The number panel is written in ascending font on the top left and bottom right of the note. It may be disorganized in fake notes.
- Color-changing Ink: The value number on the bottom right of the ₹500 note changes from green to blue. This color change may be uneven in fake notes.
- Hidden Features: There are some hidden features that appear when the note is held at a certain angle to the light. These may be absent in fake notes.
- Printing Accuracy: The edges of images and text are sharp in genuine notes. They may be blurry or uneven in fake notes.
- Devanagari script: The denomination number on the ₹500 note is written in Devanagari script and is written vertically. This may not be accurate in fake notes.
- RBI Emblem: The RBI emblem is located on the right side of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. This may be unclear in fake notes.
- Regional Language Script: The denomination is printed accurately in 15 regional languages on the back of the note. This script may be incorrect or missing in fake notes.
What to Do if you Find Fake Notes?
- Report: Report the fake note to the nearest bank or police station. Banks are required to seize it and report it to the RBI.
- Find fake notes from ATM: Show the note to the ATM’s CCTV camera and keep the withdrawal receipt. Deposit the notes and receipts at the bank, they will fill out a form and issue new notes.
- Raise Awareness: Educate family and friends about how to spot fake notes.
- Legal Action: Concealing or using fake currency is punishable under Section 489C, which can carry a sentence of 7 years to life imprisonment.
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