Central Bank of Syria Addresses Rumors of Counterfeit 500 Lira Notes
Recent rumors regarding the existence of counterfeit 500 lira notes have caused unease among the Syrian populace. These rumors emerged shortly after the introduction of the new currency denomination about two weeks ago.
Images and warnings about the alleged counterfeit notes have circulated widely on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, with some users cautioning against their use and stating that dealing with counterfeit currency is a criminal offense.
In response to these concerns, Abdul Qadir Al-Hosriya, the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, publicly refuted the rumors, stating that the bank has not received any formal reports of counterfeiting from banks, financial institutions, or individuals.
In a Facebook post, Al-Hosriya stated:
"The information circulating on social media and in public forums is unverified and may be intended to create confusion or fear. These claims are not based on any official sources."
He further emphasized:
"Any official report of counterfeiting will be promptly addressed in collaboration with the relevant authorities from the Ministry of Interior."
Al-Hosriya encouraged citizens to disregard unreliable news and to depend solely on information disseminated by the Central Bank, as this is vital for maintaining economic stability and preventing unnecessary anxiety.
It is important to note that the Central Bank has previously highlighted that the new lira incorporates advanced security features designed to make counterfeiting significantly more difficult, reinforcing the need for trust in the national currency through official communication.
