It’s the story that has dominated chatter across social media for over a day – a man in New Delhi trying to withdraw money from an ATM ended up with four notes of ₹2,000 that were clearly fake. Apart from the fact the notes said they were issued by the “Children Bank of India,” they also lacked the RBI stamp.
Since the story broke, citizens have voiced concern over the authenticity of new ₹500 and ₹2,000 notes issued since demonetisation.
Here are some tips on how you can check whether the notes you are withdrawing from the ATMs are authentic.
Image source: Pexels
For ₹2,000 notes
1) The dimensions of the banknote are 66mm×166mm
2) One of the easiest ways to check if a note is authentic is to hold it to the light. A see-through register on the left will show the number 2,000 against the light. Similarly, when held at a 45 degree angle, the watermark with the numeral 2,000 will be visible.
3) In case one is visually impaired, they can run their fingers through the note. Among others, the Mahatma Gandhi portrait and the Ashoka Pillar emblem both have intaglio or raised printing and it can be felt through touch. There are also seven angular “bleed lines” along the sides of the currency note that are in raised printing or intaglio.
4) Due to the colour-changing thread people will be able to discern if the inscription of RBI, Bharat in Devnagari script and the numerals 2,000 change colour when the viewing angles are shifted.
You may also like: TBI Blogs: Demonetisation Meant Many Changes for India’s Visually Impaired. Here’s How It Can Be Inclusive.
For ₹500 notes
1) In case of ₹500 notes, the size is 63mm x 150mm.
2) In case one is visually impaired, they can run their fingers through the note. There is a circle with ₹500 on the right with raised printing and it can be discerned through touch.
3) There are five “bleed lines” in the ₹500 notes which are in raised printing or intaglio.
Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!
If you found our stories insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.
Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-
By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let's ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.
Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?