RBI says a viral circular warning of a Rs 10, Rs 20 and Rs 50 note shortage before Diwali is forged, and that it has enough notes
On 2 November 2026 the RBI said a circular in its name, warning of a shortage of Rs 10, Rs 20 and Rs 50 notes during Diwali, was forged, and that it holds enough notes of all denominations.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the country’s central bank, said on 2 November 2026 that a circular going around online in its name is forged. The circular says Rs 10, Rs 20 and Rs 50 notes may be in short supply during Diwali; Outlook Money reports that it is dated 27 October 2026. The RBI said it has enough currency notes of all denominations, including these, according to reports of its post on X.
What the reports say
- The forged circular. Outlook Money reports that the circular carries the RBI’s name and logo and appears to bear the Governor’s signature. It says printing of Rs 10, Rs 20 and Rs 50 notes is being reduced as digital payments grow, and advises people to arrange cash in advance and use UPI, cards and net banking.
- The RBI’s response. Northeast Live reports that the RBI said certain people were fraudulently using its name and logo to circulate a forged circular attributed to the Governor, and that its content is misleading. It quotes the RBI as saying sufficient notes of all denominations, including lower denominations, are available in RBI vaults and currency chests (the bank branches that store notes for the RBI).
- What the RBI asked of the public. Outlook Money reports that the RBI urged people to check its official website and verified social media accounts before believing or forwarding any notice in its name, and to verify documents that carry official stamps, logos or signatures before sharing them.
Basis of these figures
The RBI’s statement was a post on X dated 2 November 2026 (link as given by Northeast Live); the RBI did not issue a press release on it. That post could not be opened, so the date, the circular’s contents and the RBI’s wording are taken from Outlook Money and Northeast Live, and have not been checked against the post itself. This article reports the RBI’s statement and does not say how much cash anyone should hold.