In a major security development, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has raised an alarm over the circulation of high-quality counterfeit Rs 500 notes. The alert was issued on Monday based on fresh intelligence inputs and has been classified as high importance.
The fake notes are so well-crafted that they closely resemble genuine currency, making detection difficult. However, a subtle spelling error may help identify the counterfeit bills.
Who Has Been Alerted?
The MHA has sent out urgent communication to key regulatory and enforcement bodies including:
- Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
- Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- National Investigation Agency (NIA)
- Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
- Public and private sector banks
These institutions have been asked to intensify scrutiny and verification of Rs 500 notes and alert their staff about the counterfeit threat.
Counterfeit Volume Unknown
A senior official stated that the exact volume of fake notes in circulation cannot be precisely determined, as estimates rely on samples submitted by banks and the public. However, intelligence agencies believe the actual number could be significantly higher than reported figures.
Steps Taken to Combat the Threat
The government highlighted its countermeasures in Parliament recently, including:
- Penal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
- Provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967
- Formation of bodies such as the FICN Coordination Group (FCORD) and the Terror Funding and Fake Currency (TFFC) Cell
How to Identify a Fake Rs 500 Note
Authorities have released the following tip to identify counterfeit currency:
- Spelling Error: In fake notes, “RESERVE BANK OF INDIA” is misspelled as “RSERVE BANK OF INDIA”, with the letter ‘A’ incorrectly replacing ‘E’ in the word “RESERVE”.
- Visual Check: The fake note closely mimics the print quality and layout of the original, so manual checking is vital.
- Report Suspicious Notes: Citizens are advised to report any questionable currency to the nearest bank or law enforcement authority immediately.
This alert serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and double-check currency notes during any cash transaction.
Detailed Checklist For Finding Any Fake Currency Note:
1. Mahatma Gandhi’s Watermark
Hold the note against light. The watermark should be clear and distinct, not blurry or distorted.
2. Security Thread
Look for a partially visible thread that reads “भारत” and “RBI” when tilted under light.
3. Ink and Print Quality
Authentic notes have crisp, vibrant printing. Watch for faded or smudged text.
4. Serial Numbers
Genuine notes have evenly spaced, aligned serial numbers. Counterfeits may show irregular fonts or misaligned digits.
5. Micro-lettering
Use a magnifying glass to check for tiny text like “RBI” between the portrait and the thread.
6. Devanagari and Regional Languages
Compare fonts and regional scripts on both sides with a genuine note.
7. Intaglio (Raised) Printing
Feel for raised textures like Gandhi’s portrait, Ashoka Pillar, and Braille marks.
