FAQWhat is a forged note? - A suspected forged note, counterfeit note or fake note is any note which does not possess the characteristics of genuine Indian currency notes.
How can I identify a forged note? - You can identify a forged note if you are unable to detect the features which are present in a genuine Indian currency note. These features are easily identifiable by seeing, touching and tilting the note.
If a person unknowingly deposits a forged note in a bank how will the bank deal with it? - The bank will impound the counterfeit note in the presence of the tenderer. The bank will also issue an acknowledgement to the tenderer. The receipt is authenticated by the cashier as well as by the tenderer. The acknowledgement is issued even in cases where the tenderer is unwilling to countersign it The bank will thereafter forward the impounded note to the local police authorities for further necessary action.
4) Whether anyone can get exchange value for the forged notes which he or she has received unknowingly? - Being a forged note, ab initio, it has no value.
5) What are the legal provisions relating to printing and circulation of forged banknotes? - Counterfeiting banknotes / using as genuine, forged or counterfeit banknotes / possession of forged or counterfeit banknote / making or possessing instruments or materials for forging or counterfeiting banknotes making or using documents resembling banknotes are offences under Sections 489A to 489E of the Indian Penal Code and are punishable in the Courts of Law by fine or imprisonment ranging from seven years to life imprisonment or both, depending on the offence.
6) What should one do if he or she unknowingly comes in possession of a forged note? - As per Section 39 of the Criminal Procedure Code, every person, aware of the commission of or of the intention of any other person to commit certain offences, including those relating to counterfeiting of currency, is required to immediately give information about such commission or intention to the nearest magistrate or police officer.
7) How can we avoid taking forged notes? - While receiving banknotes, it will be a good idea to develop the habit of checking the genuineness of the notes.
8) What are soiled, mutilated and imperfect banknotes?(i) "soiled note:" means a note which, has become dirty due to usage and also includes a two piece note pasted together wherein both the pieces presented belong to the same note, and form the entire note.
(ii) Mutilated banknote is a banknote, of which a portion is missing or which is composed of more than two pieces.
(iii) Imperfect banknote means any banknote, which is wholly or partially, obliterated, shrunk, washed, altered or indecipherable but does not include a mutilated banknote.
