evidence: According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), there are 17 key points that differentiate a real Rs 500 note from a fake one. We share eight key points that you can observe closely in order to find out if your note is authentic. [...] The new Rs 500 notes in the Mahatma Gandhi series are different from the SBN series which was withdrawn earlier. If you carefully observe, there is a see-through register in denominational numeral at the location circled in red. [...] The authentic Rs 500 notes have a specific theme - Indian heritage site - Red Fort. The orientation of the relative position of the Mahatma Gandhi portrait is yet another notable feature in this Rs 500 note. This orientation can be cross-checked with the specimen note on the RBI website.