Prevent Misuse of Aadhaar Card

The Aadhaar Card is a unique identification card that is issued by the Government of India to centralise the ID system to simplify government services and financial transactions. The Aadhaar card contains crucial personal information that needs proper protection. With the card being widely used for identity proof and various financial and government transactions, there have also been instances of misuse. Which has led to significant personal and financial loss due to theft and misuse of personal data.

There is a need to understand how to prevent misuse of Aadhaar card and maintain privacy and security to protect your information. By taking several steps and measures, like masking your Aadhaar, locking your biometrics and understanding the security risks you can safeguard your Aadhaar card from getting into the wrong hands.

Aadhaar Card Fraud Overview

Aadhaar card fraud is when there is unauthorised use or manipulation of an individual's Aadhaar details for malicious purposes. Aadhaar Card fraud has been reported as identity theft, where fraudsters use someone else's Aadhaar information to gain access to financial accounts, apply for loans, or obtain government benefits. It can also involve phishing schemes, where individuals are tricked into revealing their Aadhaar numbers and other personal information through fake websites or messages.

To protect against Aadhaar card fraud, it is crucial to keep your Aadhaar details confidential, regularly monitor your financial statements for any unusual activity, and immediately report any suspected misuse to the right authorities. Being vigilant and informed about the potential risks can help prevent misuse of Aadhaar card and personal information.

Identity Theft
The Aadhaar Card, when stolen, can be used to steal your identity and biometric data like your fingerprints and Iris scans. This can lead to your data being used for impersonation to be able to access important information that requires biometric authentication.

Unauthorised Transactions
With the Aadhaar biometric data, fraudsters can access your financial information and even perform withdrawal transactions from your bank account. This can be possible through Aadhaar enabled payment system (AePS) which has security risks.

Data Breach
Data leak from your Aadhaar details which includes personal information (like phone number or bank account details), can lead to fraudsters using the information for malicious purposes.

Preventive Steps to Avoid Aadhaar Card Fraud

To prevent the misuse of your Aadhaar card, it is important to take proactive steps and be aware about the risks regarding your personal information. Here are some key steps to protect your Aadhaar card from fraud:

• Do not share your Aadhaar number: Avoid sharing your Aadhaar number to unauthorised individuals. Only provide it when it is absolutely mandatory, such as for government services or specific financial transactions.
• Lock your Aadhaar biometrics: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) allows you to lock your biometrics. This helps to make sure that your fingerprint and iris data is safe from being misused. You can unlock it temporarily whenever you need to authenticate using biometrics.
• Regularly check Aadhaar authentication history: UIDAI also offers the option to periodically check your Aadhaar authentication history on the website. This helps you keep track of any unauthorised use of your Aadhaar details.
• Enable Virtual ID (VID): This is a great option if you need to provide your Aadhaar information. You can use the Virtual ID (VID) provided by UIDAI, which is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number linked to your Aadhaar number. This adds an extra layer of security protecting your personal data.
• Use Aadhaar secure QR code: When you need to share your Aadhaar information, you can choose to share the Aadhaar secure QR code. This code offers your details in a tamper-proof format, ensuring authenticity and reducing the risk of misuse.
• Update your contact information: Always make sure that your mobile number and email address linked to your Aadhaar are always up to date. Active contact details will allow you to receive notifications and alerts related to your Aadhaar activities.
• Report loss or theft immediately: If you lose your Aadhaar card or suspect it has been stolen, report it immediately to UIDAI and the relevant authorities to avoid misuse.
• Be cautious with Aadhaar copies: Photocopies of your Aadhaar card can also be used for fraudulent activities so avoid sharing them. When required, use masked Aadhaar copies where only the last four digits are visible.

Steps to Lock Aadhaar Number to Prevent Misuse

Securing your Aadhaar number is important to safeguard your personal and financial information. An effective measure to prevent misuse of Aadhaar card is by locking your Aadhaar number. Locking the Aadhaar service will render the number inaccessible for authentication or verification purposes until it is unlocked by you. This will give you an added layer of security making sure that your personal information is protected from unauthorised access. Here are the steps you can take to lock your Aadhaar service:

• Step 1: Visit the UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in/en/
• Step 2: Click on ‘My Aadhaar’, then select ‘Aadhaar Lock and Unlock Service’.




• Step 3: Read the instructions given on the screen and click ‘Next’.



• Step 4: To lock your Aadhaar enter your Virtual ID number, full name, Pin Code and enter the Captcha, then click ‘Send OTP’.



• Step 5: Enter the OTP you receive, click Submit and then your Aadhaar services will be locked.

Steps to Lock/ Unlock Status of Aadhaar Biometrics

Add double security to your Aadhaar Card and prevent theft or any unauthorised use by locking Aadhaar biometrics. Your fingerprints & IRIS Scan serve as most crucial information for UIDAI Aadhaar Portal.

The biggest benefit of locking your Aadhaar Card is your data cannot alter at any given touchpoint. You have the ability to unlock your Aadhaar card & here are those steps that help you lock your Aadhaar Biometrics.

• Step 1: Visit the UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in/en/



• Step 2: Select the ‘My Aadhaar’ then click on ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’.



• Step 3: Select Lock/Unlock Aadhaar


• Step 4: Read the instructions given on the page, then click ‘Next’



• Step 5: Enter your Virtual ID number, full name, Pin Code, and the Captcha code displayed on screen. Then click ‘Send OTP’.



• Step 6: Enter the OTP you received
• Step 7: Click "Biometric Locking" and select the biometric modality you want to lock such as your fingerprint, iris, or face.
• Step 8: Read the disclaimer, and then confirm your request.

Steps to Generate Your Aadhaar Card VID

Generating a Virtual ID (VID) for your Aadhaar card is important as it enhances the privacy and security of your Aadhaar information. The VID is a temporary, revocable 16-digit number that can be used in place of your Aadhaar number for authentication purposes, which reduces the risk of misuse. Here are the steps you can follow to generate your VID:

• Step 1: Visit the UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in/en/



• Step 2: Select ‘My Aadhaar’ and click on ‘Virtual ID Generator’



• Step 3: Choose Generate VID, enter your Aadhaar Number and Captcha code and click on ‘Send OTP’.


• Step 4: Enter the OTP you received and click on ‘Verify and Proceed.’
• Step 5: You will then receive a message that your VID has been sent to your registered number.

Steps to Mask Your Aadhaar Card

Masking your Aadhaar card is a necessary practice as it enhances the privacy and security of your personal information. A masked Aadhaar card will only display the last four digits of your Aadhaar number, minimising the risk of misuse while still being valid for most verification purposes. Here are the steps to mask your Aadhaar card:

• Step 1: Visit the UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in/en/
• Step 2: Click on ‘My Aadhaar’ then select ‘Download Aadhaar’.



• Step 3: Enter your Aadhaar Number and the Captcha code, then click on ‘Get OTP’.



• Step 4: Select the ‘Do you want a Masked Aadhaar?’ then enter the OTP you received. Then click on ‘Verify and Download’.


• Step 5: Your masked Aadhaar will then be downloaded.

Steps to Report Misuse of an Aadhaar Card

If you suspect that your Aadhaar card is being misused or is stolen you can report it right away by calling the UIDAI helpline number: 1947 or by sending an email to: help@uidai.gov.in. You can also report the misuse through the UIDAI website by following the steps below:

• Step 1: Visit the website at https://uidai.gov.in/
• Step 2: Log in using your registered mobile number or Aadhaar number.
• Step 3: Go to the "Report Aadhaar Misuse" section.
• Step 4: Fill out the online complaint form, providing details of the suspected misuse, including the date, time, and nature of the incident.
• Step 5: Submit the form and retain a copy of the complaint reference number for future reference.

You can also take further action by:

• Filing a Police complaint: To avoid cases of serious identity theft or financial fraud, consider filing a police complaint alongside reporting it to UIDAI.
• Change Your Aadhaar Password: If you suspect your Aadhaar details have been leaked, it's important to lock your Aadhaar services and change your registered mobile number immediately. You can do this through the UIDAI website.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly monitor your bank statements and financial accounts for any unauthorised transactions.