How To Spot A Fake Rs 500 Note: RBI Shares Tips On Checking 5 Security Features

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has urged people to check the security features of Rs 500 banknotes before accepting them in cash transactions. In a social media post shared on July 7, 2026, the RBI highlighted one of the security features that can help people identify a genuine note.

The RBI said the “see through register” is located on the bottom left of the Rs 500 note. When the note is held against light, the numeral “500” becomes visible through the register.

Apart from the “see through register”, the Rs 500 note contains several other security features that people can use to verify its genuineness.

One of them is the Mahatma Gandhi watermark. When the note is held against light, the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, and the electrotype numeral “500” become visible.

The note also contains a windowed security thread with inscriptions such as “भारत”, “RBI” and “500”. When the note is tilted, the thread changes colour from green to blue. This feature has been included to make counterfeiting more difficult.

Another feature is the colour changing numeral “500” printed on the lower right side of the note. The ink changes from green to blue when the viewing angle changes.

People can also check the raised or intaglio printing on the note. The portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, the Ashoka Pillar emblem, the Reserve Bank of India seal, the guarantee clause, the Governor's signature and the identification mark have been printed in raised ink, making them easy to feel by touch.

Cash continues to be used widely for shopping, travel, at local markets and other day-to-day transactions. While most notes in circulation are genuine, counterfeit currency can occasionally find its way into cash transactions.

The RBI has advised people to spend a few seconds checking the security features before accepting a note. A quick visual inspection of the watermark, security thread, colour changing ink and other features can help reduce the chances of mistakenly accepting a counterfeit note. The central bank has also made detailed information on the security features of different denominations available through its currency awareness material for public reference.