Is It True? RBI Has Not Instructed Banks to Stop Rs 500 Notes from ATMs by September?
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Synopsis
In a recent development, the government has debunked claims circulating on WhatsApp about the RBI stopping the disbursement of Rs 500 notes from ATMs. This article explores the misinformation, its implications, and the importance of verifying financial news from credible sources.
Key Takeaways
- The government has denied claims about Rs 500 notes being discontinued from ATMs.
- Always verify financial news through official channels.
- Misinformation can lead to panic and poor financial decisions.
- Rely on credible sources to confirm financial updates.
- Stay informed to protect yourself from deceptive narratives.
New Delhi, Aug 3 (NationPress) The government has labeled a circulating WhatsApp message as “false”, which alleged that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandated banks to halt the distribution of Rs 500 notes through ATMs by September 30. The statement clarified that no such directive has been issued.
The misleading information also suggested that 90 percent of ATMs would stop dispensing Rs 500 notes by March 31, 2026, while 75 percent would do so by September 30.
Furthermore, it urged individuals to start “liquidating” their Rs 500 notes and insinuated that only Rs 100 and Rs 200 notes would be available at ATMs moving forward.
In response to the misinformation, the government’s Press Information Bureau's Fact Check unit affirmed that the RBI has not put forth any such orders, confirming that Rs 500 notes remain legal tender.
In a communication posted on X, it clarified that the widely disseminated claim is untrue and advised the public against believing such fabrications.
“Did the RBI instruct banks to discontinue the issuance of Rs 500 notes from ATMs by September 2025? A message falsely claiming this is circulating on #WhatsApp. #PIBFactCheck, No such directive has been issued by the @RBI, Rs 500 notes will continue to be legal tender,” the message stated.
The Fact Check Unit emphasized the importance of verifying any financial news through official channels and warned that such messages are intended to mislead.
“Don’t succumb to such misinformation. Always check news from official sources before accepting or sharing it!” it advised.
A similar false claim made the rounds on social media last month, spreading on WhatsApp as well, suggesting that the RBI intended to phase out Rs 500 notes from ATMs by 2026.
The PIB Fact Check had also refuted this claim previously, asserting that no such order had been issued.
Authorities have underscored the need for caution when consuming and sharing unverified information. Users should rely solely on trustworthy sources, such as the RBI’s official announcements or PIB’s fact-checking service, for any currency updates, as misinformation continues to escalate.
Point of View
I believe it is our responsibility to ensure that our readers are informed by reliable and accurate sources. In today’s digital age, misinformation spreads quickly, particularly regarding critical topics like currency. Therefore, we must always advocate for verifying claims before accepting them as truth, ensuring that our community remains well-informed and protected against deceitful narratives.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the RBI issue instructions about Rs 500 notes?
No, the RBI has not issued any instructions regarding the discontinuation of Rs 500 notes from ATMs.
What should I do if I receive such messages?
Always verify financial news from official sources, such as the RBI or the Press Information Bureau, before believing or sharing.
Are Rs 500 notes still legal tender?
Yes, Rs 500 notes remain legal tender and are still valid for transactions.
How can I identify misinformation?
Look for information from credible sources, check for official statements, and be wary of sensational claims.
Why is it important to verify financial news?
Verifying financial news is crucial to avoid falling victim to scams or making uninformed decisions.
