The Bank of Russia has advised credit institutions to display information about banknotes, including updated versions, within their branches. The agency notes that a clear, accessible primer helps citizens understand the features of modern notes. The guidance underscores the value of placing official explanations where customers can readily review them, reinforcing trust and financial literacy in everyday banking operations. (Source: Bank of Russia)
In addition, the Central Bank urges the use of banknote materials that originate from its official website, placing these resources on stands and information boards across banking offices. This approach ensures that residents have direct access to authoritative details about current banknote designs, security features, and recent changes, reducing the spread of misinformation. (Source: Bank of Russia)
Public statements from the regulator emphasize a continuing concern with fraud schemes that exploit knowledge about new banknotes. Criminals may pose as social workers or trusted officials to persuade individuals to install applications that claim to verify currency or to invite them into their homes for demonstrations. The bank cautions citizens to verify any requests and to rely only on official channels for information about banknotes. (Source: Bank of Russia)
Over the last several years, the bank has pursued a program of updating banknotes to strengthen security and ensure durability. In 2022, the 100 ruble note received a refreshed design, while in October 2023 new 1000 and 5000 ruble notes were introduced. The enhanced banknotes incorporated updated features intended to deter counterfeiting and improve usability. Nevertheless, the rollout of the revised design faced public debate and critique, leading to pauses and reassessments in some stages of the process. (Source: Bank of Russia)
At the end of October, Elvira Nabiullina, the governor of the Central Bank, signaled plans to broaden public involvement in the design process for future banknotes. The bank intends to engage expert groups and ordinary citizens in discussions, aiming to address concerns and gather a wide range of perspectives. This inclusive approach follows earlier debates surrounding the 1,000 and 5,000 ruble notes, including disagreements about the portrayal of religious sites and other public symbols. The regulator has stressed openness to feedback as part of refining the design strategy. (Source: Bank of Russia)
Earlier communications from the Central Bank also clarified the nature of fraud schemes related to the 5,000 ruble banknote, outlining how counterfeiters or scammers may attempt to mislead the public. The clarification outlines practical steps people can take to avoid falling prey to such schemes and emphasizes the importance of consulting official sources for verification. (Source: Bank of Russia)