Aadhaar card, the 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has become an essential document for every Indian resident. It is increasingly being used for authentication and verification purposes for government schemes and private services.
However, with widespread usage of Aadhaar, instances of Aadhaar-related frauds and misuse of personal data have also increased. Criminals use leaked Aadhaar data to open bank accounts, get SIM cards, or avail loans and benefits in someone else’s name. This can result in huge financial losses and identity theft for the victims.
Therefore, it is critical that Aadhaar card holders take adequate precautions to safeguard their unique ID and biometric data. This comprehensive guide covers all you need to know about protecting yourself from Aadhaar card fraud.
- 1 How Does Aadhaar Card Fraud Happen?
- 2 8 Ways to Protect your Aadhaar Card from Fraud
- 2.1 1. Register your Mobile Number with UIDAI
- 2.2 2. Enable Biometric Locking System
- 2.3 3. Use Masked Aadhaar Card
- 2.4 4. Do not Share Photocopies of Aadhaar Card
- 2.5 5. Check Aadhaar Authentication History
- 2.6 6. Do not Share OTPs Received for Aadhaar
- 2.7 7. Beware of Aadhaar Phishing Scams
- 2.8 8. Track your Credit Report
- 3 How to Lock/Unlock your Aadhaar Biometrics
- 4 What to do if you become a Victim of Aadhaar Fraud?
- 5 Aadhaar Card Safety Tips: To Summarize
- 6 FAQs on Aadhaar Card Safety
- 7 Conclusion
- 8 Comparison of Aadhaar Safety Features
How Does Aadhaar Card Fraud Happen?
Here are some common ways in which fraudsters misuse Aadhaar details:
- Phishing – Fraudsters send fake emails/SMS with links asking to update/verify Aadhaar details. The link leads to a phishing website designed to steal personal and Aadhaar info.
- Aadhaar leaks – Personal data including name, date of birth, address and Aadhaar number is illegally accessed from databases of govt/private agencies and sold to cyber criminals.
- Fake Aadhaar cards – Using leaked data, fake Aadhaar cards are created with changed photos and details. These are used to open bank accounts and avail services.
- OTP frauds – Fraudsters trick users into sharing the OTP received during Aadhaar-linked transactions, to carry out fraudulent activities in their name.
- Identity theft – With a copy of Aadhaar, criminals impersonate as the original card holder, using their biometrics and details.
- Bank frauds – Aadhaar details are misused to access bank accounts, avail loans or credit cards fraudulently.
8 Ways to Protect your Aadhaar Card from Fraud
Here are some precautionary measures you must take to avoid Aadhaar card fraud:
1. Register your Mobile Number with UIDAI
Linking your active mobile number with your Aadhaar is the first step to securing your Aadhaar details. It enables the following safety features:
- You will receive notifications for every Aadhaar authentication or KYC update request.
- OTPs required for Aadhaar-linked transactions will be sent only to your registered number.
- You can instantly lock/unlock your Aadhaar biometrics promptly if required.
To register your mobile, visit the UIDAI website or nearest Aadhaar center with your Aadhaar card.
2. Enable Biometric Locking System
UIDAI provides a Biometric Locking System to enhance security of your biometrics data. When locked, your fingerprints and iris scan cannot be used for authentication, preventing misuse.
You can instantly lock your biometrics temporarily before travelling overseas, or if your phone is lost. Unlock it when required through the Aadhaar app, IVR or SMS.
3. Use Masked Aadhaar Card
A Masked Aadhaar reveals only last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number while masking the other details. You can freely share this masked e-Aadhaar as ID proof instead of the original.
Download masked e-Aadhaar from UIDAI website by entering your 12-digit Aadhaar, security code and captcha.
Think twice before freely handing out photocopies of your Aadhaar card everywhere. Give it only at government offices when mandatory, or trusted financial institutions you actively use.
At private establishments like hotels, insist on alternate ID proofs. For mobile connections, use your e-Aadhaar or masked Aadhaar only.
5. Check Aadhaar Authentication History
On the UIDAI website, you can check the date and time of all previous instances your Aadhaar was used for authentication. Scrutinize this log periodically to detect any unknown or suspicious activities.
Immediately report unauthorized authentication attempts not done by you, by contacting UIDAI or filing a cyber crime complaint.
While using Aadhaar for services, you may receive OTPs on your registered mobile number. Never share these OTPs with anyone, as they can be used to authorize fraudulent transactions in your name.
OTP sharing is the most common way fraudsters bypass Aadhaar security. Always double check the purpose before entering any Aadhaar-linked OTP.
7. Beware of Aadhaar Phishing Scams
Exercise caution if you get any SMS, email or call asking you to update or re-verify your Aadhaar details. Do not click any unknown links or provide personal information.
Go directly to the official UIDAI website for any Aadhaar services. Report phishing attempts to authorities immediately.
8. Track your Credit Report
Keep monitoring your credit report frequently for any unrecognized transactions, loan accounts or credit cards opened illegally in your name using Aadhaar.
Report instances of identity theft based on your credit report to the UIDAI immediately. Get fraudulent accounts frozen and rectify your credit record.
How to Lock/Unlock your Aadhaar Biometrics
Locking your biometrics is an effective safeguard against unauthorized use of your fingerprints and iris scan data for Aadhaar authentication. Here is a step-by-step process:
Lock Aadhaar Biometrics
- Via SMS – Send SMS “LOCK UID ” to 1947 from your registered mobile number.
- Through IVR – Call UIDAI’s toll-free number 1947 and follow the IVR instructions to lock your Aadhaar.
- Using Aadhaar App – On the app, go to Biometric Locking System and select ‘Lock Biometrics’. Enter security code to complete locking.
Unlock Aadhaar Biometrics
- Via SMS – Send SMS “UNLOCK UID ” to 1947 from your registered mobile number.
- Through IVR – Call 1947 and follow the IVR instructions to unlock your Aadhaar biometrics.
- Using Aadhaar App – On the app, go to Biometric Locking System and select ‘Unlock Biometrics’. Enter security code to complete unlocking.
What to do if you become a Victim of Aadhaar Fraud?
If you discover your Aadhaar details have been compromised, here are the immediate steps to take:
- Call Aadhaar Customer Care center or visit the nearest enrollment center to lock your biometrics.
- File an online complaint on the UIDAI website regarding the fraud.
- Report the identity theft to your nearest police station and cyber crime cell. Submit all relevant documents and details.
- Contact the banks, mobile operators or other companies where services were availed fraudulently, to freeze transactions.
- Get your phone SIM blocked immediately if it was misused. Apply for a new SIM with updated security protocols.
- If bank accounts were compromised, get them frozen and request new account numbers. Change online banking passwords.
- Update your contact details with UIDAI if your registered mobile number/email was compromised.
- Monitor your credit report frequently for the next few months for any suspicious activity.
- Collaborate fully with authorities for investigations and provide any details requested to resolve the matter.
Aadhaar Card Safety Tips: To Summarize
- Register current mobile number with UIDAI.
- Enable biometric locking facility to lock biometrics when required.
- Use masked Aadhaar instead of original.
- Never share photocopies of Aadhaar freely.
- Do not disclose OTPs received for Aadhaar transactions.
- Check Aadhaar authentication log periodically.
- Avoid clicking on unknown links or SMS related to Aadhaar.
- Monitor credit report regularly for unauthorized activity.
- Report unauthorized transactions and data leaks immediately.
FAQs on Aadhaar Card Safety
Q. How can I check if my Aadhaar details have been misused?
You can check your Aadhaar authentication history on the UIDAI website to detect any unknown or fraudulent authentication attempts. Also monitor your credit report frequently through CIBIL or other agencies for loan/credit accounts opened without your consent.
Q. Is sharing e-Aadhaar safe?
Downloading e-Aadhaar from the UIDAI website and sharing only when required for identification is safer than sharing photocopies of your physical Aadhaar card. However, do not share security code printed on your e-Aadhaar with anyone.
Q. Can someone hack my Aadhaar details?
Your Aadhaar number cannot be generated or hacked by anyone because it is randomly generated by UIDAI during enrollment. However, personal details associated with Aadhaar like name, address etc can be misused if leaked from various databases.
Q. What if I lose my registered mobile number linked to Aadhaar?
Immediately visit your nearest Aadhaar center to get your new mobile number updated in your Aadhaar data. This will ensure any OTPs are sent only to your new number. You can also call 1947 and request de-linking of the old number.
Q. Does linking Aadhaar with other IDs increase risk of identity theft?
Linking Aadhaar as per regulatory guidelines is safe and ensures presence of an additional security layer through OTP validation. But do not link it blindly everywhere; evaluate whether the service provider complies with UIDAI security protocols.
Conclusion
Aadhaar is a vital identity and address proof for Indian citizens. However, given increasing instances of Aadhaar frauds and identity thefts, it is critical for every Aadhaar holder to take suitable precautions.
Follow the tips, techniques and safety protocols provided in this article diligently to keep your Aadhaar details and biometrics secure. Remain vigilant against phishing attempts and act promptly if you become a victim. With adequate care, you can benefit from Aadhaar while avoiding the risk of cyber frauds.
Comparison of Aadhaar Safety Features
Feature | Benefits | Activation Process |
---|---|---|
Biometric Locking System | Temporarily locks biometrics to prevent unauthorized authentication | Via SMS, IVR, Aadhaar App |
Registered Mobile Number | Enables OTP-based verification and instant locking/unlocking | Visit Aadhaar center with ID proof |
Masked Aadhaar | Displays only last 4 digits of Aadhaar number | Download from UIDAI website |
Authentication History | Tracks log of all previous Aadhaar authentications | Check on UIDAI website |