The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued a fact check to dispel growing rumours and misinformation circulating on social media claiming that ₹500 banknotes with a star symbol (*) are counterfeit.
With the widespread panic among the public over the authenticity of star-marked ₹500 notes, PIB has categorically stated that such claims are false.
The Press Information Bureau swiftly issued a fact check, denying the claim and stating, “Do you have a ₹500 note with a star symbol (*)? Are you worried it’s fake? Fret no more!! #PIBFactCheck The message deeming such notes as fake is false! Star marked(*)₹500 banknotes have been in circulation since December 2016.”
Do you have a ₹500 note with a star symbol (*)❓
Are you worried it’s fake❓
Fret no more‼️#PIBFactCheck
✔️The message deeming such notes as fake is false!
✔️Star marked(*)₹500 banknotes have been in circulation since December 2016
🔗https://t.co/hNXwYyhhxC pic.twitter.com/Fd4tL0nEaM
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) July 31, 2025
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has fully recognised these notes, which have circulated legitimately since December 2016.
The star symbol on ₹500 notes is not a sign of counterfeit currency.
Instead, it is a legitimate marking used by the RBI to denote replacement notes issued when errors occur during printing.
These star notes act as a substitute for the original note and are indistinguishable in value or acceptance from regular notes.
Messages warning the public not to accept star-marked ₹500 notes and falsely labelling them as fake have flooded social media platforms.
This misinformation has caused unnecessary fear and confusion among people carrying such currency.
The PIB fact check urges citizens to remain calm and rely only on official information regarding currency authenticity.
It strongly advises the public to verify facts through authorised sources before sharing or believing such viral messages.
RBI and Currency Authentication
The Reserve Bank of India has confirmed the legitimacy of star-marked ₹500 notes and encourages citizens to use them with confidence.
The star symbol serves a practical purpose for currency management and has been part of India’s currency system for several years.
In recent years, false rumours about counterfeit currency have caused widespread concern and disrupted daily transactions.
Experts and government authorities emphasise the importance of relying on verified information and discourage panic based on unsubstantiated social media posts.
Banks encourage citizens to report suspicious notes and carefully check for standard security features such as watermarks, security threads, and latent images.
The Press Information Bureau’s fact-checking unit combats misinformation around currency. It also addresses other public interest matters.
By swiftly addressing rumours and clarifying facts, PIB helps maintain public trust and confidence in government-issued currency.
If you possess a ₹500 note with a star symbol (*), rest assured, it is genuine and legal tender.
The RBI and government authorities confirm these notes are fully valid and safe to use.
Avoid sharing unverified messages and always cross-check information with official sources.
Also Read: Debunking A Deepfake: Fake Video Of Army Chief & Disinformation Around Operation Sindoor
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