New Delhi: The government has dismissed as false a viral WhatsApp message claiming that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed banks to stop dispensing Rs. 500 notes from ATMs by September 30.
In a clarification issued on Sunday, the Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit categorically stated that no such instruction has been issued and that Rs. 500 notes remain legal tender.
The misleading message, widely circulated on social media, also claims that 90% of ATMs will stop issuing Rs. 500 notes by March 31, 2026, and 75% will do so by September 30 this year.
It further urges people to “liquidate” Rs. 500 notes and suggests that only Rs. 100 and Rs. 200 denominations will be available through ATMs in the future.
In a post on X, PIB Fact Check said: “Has RBI asked banks to stop disbursing Rs 500 notes from ATMs by September 2025? A message falsely claiming exactly this is spreading on #WhatsApp. #PIBFactCheck: No such instruction has been issued by the @RBI. Rs 500 notes will continue to be legal tender.”
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The fact-checking unit urged the public not to fall for such misinformation and emphasised the importance of verifying financial news through official sources.
It also noted that this is not the first time such claims have surfaced.
A similar message had gone viral last month, alleging that the RBI was planning a phased withdrawal of Rs. 500 notes from circulation via ATMs. That claim too was debunked by PIB Fact Check at the time.
Authorities have reiterated the need for vigilance in the face of widespread financial misinformation.
Citizens are advised to refer only to official communications from the RBI or the government before acting on any claims regarding currency or financial policy.
