Alert for ₹500 Note Holders:
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a major alert concerning ₹500 currency notes. According to intelligence inputs, high-quality counterfeit notes have begun circulating in the market. These fake notes are so well-made that they closely resemble genuine ones, making it difficult to spot the difference at first glance.
However, there is a minor flaw in these fake notes that can help in identifying them. The ministry has informed banks, financial institutions, and investigative agencies to stay vigilant. Citizens carrying ₹500 notes are also advised to check them carefully, as even a small detail can reveal whether a note is fake.
What is the identification of real and fake notes?
The ministry said that there is a mistake in writing ‘RESERVE BANK OF INDIA’ in fake notes. It is written correctly in real notes, but in fake notes ‘A’ is written instead of ‘E’. This mistake is so small that it can be easily ignored. Hardly anyone can catch it at first glance. The Home Ministry has described it as a ‘very important’ alert. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), SEBI and banks have been informed about this.
Inform the police or bank about the suspicious note
Banks have been told to be very careful in checking the cash. The ministry has also shared the picture of the fake note so that identification is easy. The government has also appealed to the common people to check the cash and if any suspicious note is seen, immediately inform the police or the bank about it. This small precaution can help prevent fake notes from circulating in the market.
How many fake notes are in the market?
The ministry said that once fake notes come into the market, it is difficult to find out their exact number. Information is received on the basis of people who deposit fake notes in banks. But in reality the number of fake notes can be much more than this.
Measures to prevent fake notes
The government told the Parliament that several steps have been taken to prevent fake notes. It provides for punishment under the Indian Justice Code, 2023 (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Apart from this, National Investigation Agency (NIA), FICN Coordination Group (FCORD) and Terror Funding and Fake Currency (TFFC) cells have also been created.
