The threat of counterfeit currency is increasing rapidly in the country. Especially the number of fake notes of Rs 500 and Rs 200 has seen a huge increase. According to the RBI report for 2024-25, there has been an increase of 37.3% in fake notes of Rs 500 and 13.9% in fake notes of Rs 200. During this period, a total of 2,17,396 fake notes were caught, out of which only 4.7% of notes were caught by RBI and the remaining 95.3% by other banks.

How many fake notes were caught?

According to the RBI report, 1,17,722 fake notes of Rs 500 and 32,660 fake notes of Rs 200 were caught in 2024-25. These figures are higher than 2023-24. However, the total number of counterfeit notes has come down from 2,25,769 in 2022-23 to 2,17,396 in 2024-25. It is clear from the report that most of the fake notes were caught through private banks, due to which the common people need to be alert.

How to identify a genuine Rs 500 note?

The genuine Rs 500 note is of Mahatma Gandhi (new) series and is stone grey. Its size is 66 mm x 150 mm. The note has '500' in Devanagari, a picture of Mahatma Gandhi, 'Bharat', and 'India' in micro text, and a color-shifting security thread, which turns from green to blue when tilted. Apart from this, there is also a watermark, raised printing, Ashoka Pillar, five bleed lines, and a picture of the Red Fort on the reverse side.

How to identify a genuine Rs 200 note?

The 200 rupee note comes in bright yellow and its size is 66 mm x 146 mm. It also has 17 security features like '200' in Devanagari, Mahatma Gandhi's picture, color changing denomination mark, micro text, security thread, and raised symbols for the visually impaired. The back side has a picture of Sanchi Stupa and the Swachh Bharat logo.

Stay alert like this.

While taking 500 and 200-rupee notes, check them thoroughly by tilting them in the light. Understand the security features given by RBI carefully. If you find a fake note, immediately inform the bank or the police. Fake currency can not only cause financial loss but can also harm the financial stability of the country. Therefore, awareness and vigilance are very important.

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