How do I Check Fake Money?

Counterfeit currency is a global issue, and spotting fake money is essential to protect yourself from financial loss. In India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has implemented various security features on currency notes to help the public distinguish between genuine and fake currency. Here’s a guide to identifying fake money, focusing on commonly used security features and practical tips to help you verify the authenticity of Indian banknotes.

1. Look for Watermarks

The watermark is one of the most recognized security features on currency notes worldwide, including Indian rupees.

• How to Check: Hold the note up to a light source and look for the visible watermark of Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait on the left side of the note. Alongside his image, you’ll see a numeric watermark of the note’s denomination.
  
  
• Fake Detection: On counterfeit notes, the watermark might appear blurred, misaligned, or absent altogether.

Tip: Compare the watermark with a genuine note of the same denomination for reference.

2. Examine the Security Thread

All genuine Indian currency notes have a security thread embedded vertically in the paper.

• How to Check: The thread should appear as a continuous line with the words “भारत” (Bharat) and “RBI” visible when viewed from an angle. In some denominations, the security thread changes color from green to blue when tilted.
  
  
• Fake Detection: Counterfeit notes often have a painted or printed line that doesn’t exhibit the color-changing feature or alignment of a real thread.

Tip: Always examine the security thread under proper lighting to ensure visibility.

3. Feel the Texture of the Note

Genuine currency notes are printed using specific techniques that give them a unique texture.

• How to Check: Run your fingers over the note to feel the roughness, especially around the printed areas. The portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, the RBI seal, and the numeral denomination should feel slightly raised.
  
  
• Fake Detection: Counterfeit notes often feel smoother, as they are typically printed with lower-quality ink and paper.

Tip: Practice with a genuine note to get familiar with the distinctive texture of authentic currency.

4. Check for Microlettering

Microlettering is another security feature used to prevent counterfeiting.

• How to Check: Look closely, near the Gandhi portrait or the denomination value, for tiny letters spelling “RBI” or the denomination number. These letters are so small that they are difficult to replicate on counterfeit notes.
  
  
• Fake Detection: On fake currency, the microlettering may appear smudged, blurry, or even absent.

Tip: Use a magnifying glass if needed to check for clear and readable microlettering.

5. Inspect the Denomination Numeral with Latent Image

The denomination of the note is often printed as a latent image, a feature that becomes visible only at a particular angle.

• How to Check: Tilt the note horizontally to see the denomination numeral printed as a latent image near the bottom left.
  
  
• Fake Detection: Counterfeit notes often fail to reproduce this latent image, so if it’s missing, you likely have a fake note.

Tip: Use this feature as a quick test, especially on high-denomination notes.

6. Observe the Color-Changing Ink on High-Value Notes

For high-denomination notes, the RBI has added an extra level of security through color-changing ink.

• How to Check: On denominations of ₹500 and above, the numeral on the bottom right changes color from green to blue when tilted.
  
  
• Fake Detection: Counterfeit notes often fail to mimic the color change accurately or may use ink that doesn’t shift colors at all.

Tip: Compare this feature with another high-denomination note to be sure of authenticity.

7. Use UV Light to Detect Hidden Security Features

Currency notes include features that are only visible under ultraviolet (UV) light.

• How to Check: Place the note under a UV light source. Genuine notes have a security thread that fluoresces, and some other elements, like the serial number, may also glow.
  
  
• Fake Detection: Counterfeit notes generally lack the precise materials needed to produce the UV response seen in genuine currency.

Tip: UV lights are affordable and useful for those handling large amounts of cash regularly.

8. Examine the Year of Printing

The year of printing is usually located near the bottom of the note.

• How to Check: Ensure that the printing year corresponds to the currency design and series issued by the RBI. The Reserve Bank periodically releases updates on when specific designs were released, which can help verify authenticity.
  
  
• Fake Detection: Fake notes may carry incorrect or missing printing years, especially if they are based on older series.

Tip: Keep updated with RBI notifications regarding the most recent currency issues and designs.

9. Use RBI’s Official “MANI” App

The Reserve Bank of India has developed an app called "MANI" (Mobile Aided Note Identifier) to assist visually impaired users in identifying currency. This app also helps regular users verify the authenticity of their notes.

• How to Check: Download the MANI app on your smartphone, scan the currency note, and let the app assist you in identifying features.
  
  
• Fake Detection: If the app fails to detect certain key features, the note may be counterfeit.

Tip: This app is especially useful if you’re new to checking currency or want additional confirmation.

Final Thoughts

Spotting counterfeit currency is essential to avoid financial loss. Regularly handling currency and becoming familiar with genuine notes is one of the best ways to develop a sharp eye for counterfeit detection. Using these steps and tips, you can confidently verify the authenticity of Indian currency notes and safeguard yourself against the risk of counterfeit money.

With counterfeit currency techniques constantly evolving, stay updated with new RBI notifications on security features in newer currency series. Remember, protecting yourself from fake money is about staying informed and aware!