Fake ₹500 Notes on the Rise.. Do You Know How to Identify Them?

The ₹500 note currently remains the highest-value currency note in circulation in India. According to the latest RBI annual report, the circulation of ₹500 notes increased significantly during the 2025-26 financial year, accounting for nearly 86 percent of the total currency value in circulation. However, concerns have grown over the rising number of counterfeit ₹500 notes.

RBI data indicates that the detection of fake ₹500 notes increased by nearly 20 percent compared to the previous year. Citizens are advised to verify security features such as the color-changing security thread, Mahatma Gandhi watermark, special paper quality, and Swachh Bharat logo before accepting currency notes. The central bank also provides detailed guidance through its “Know Your Bank Notes” initiative.