The Aadhaar card is one of the most widely used identification documents in India. It serves as a crucial proof of identity and is linked to several essential services, including banking and government schemes. However, if it falls into the wrong hands, it can be misused for fraudulent activities. Since it contains personal and financial details, securing your Aadhaar card is of utmost importance. This article explains how Aadhaar can be misused, how to check for suspicious activities, and the steps you can take to protect it.
How Can an Aadhaar Card Be Misused?
Aadhaar card details can be exploited in various ways, leading to financial losses or identity theft. Some common ways Aadhaar misuse occurs include,
- Identity Theft: Fraudsters can use your Aadhaar details to impersonate you and commit illegal activities.
- Financial Fraud: Cybercriminals may attempt unauthorised transactions if your Aadhaar is linked to bank accounts.
- Money Laundering: Aadhaar details can be misused to conduct illicit financial transactions under a false identity.
- Unauthorised Access to Services: Scammers may use your Aadhaar information to obtain SIM cards, loans, or other services in your name without your consent.
- Tracking and Privacy Breach: Aadhaar contains location-based information, which, if misused, can compromise your privacy and security.
How to Check if Your Aadhaar Card Is Being Misused
If you suspect your Aadhaar details are being used without your knowledge, you can verify recent authentication activities through the official UIDAI website. Follow these steps to check:
- Visit the UIDAI portal at https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/.
- Enter your Aadhaar number along with the CAPTCHA code displayed on the screen.
- Click on ‘Login With OTP' and enter the one-time password sent to your registered mobile number.
- After logging in, select ‘Authentication History' from the menu.
- Choose the date range for which you want to check Aadhaar authentication records.
- Review the details to identify any suspicious activities.
- If you find any unauthorised transactions or verifications, report them immediately to UIDAI through their helpline or email support.
How to Lock Your Aadhaar Card
Locking your Aadhaar card adds an extra layer of security by preventing unauthorised use of your details and biometrics. This feature ensures that no one can misuse your Aadhaar number without your consent. You can lock your Aadhaar through either the online portal or via SMS.
Online Method to Lock Aadhaar
- Visit the official UIDAI website at https://uidai.gov.in/.
- Click on the ‘My Aadhaar' tab and navigate to ‘Aadhaar Services'.
- Select ‘Aadhaar Lock/Unlock' from the available options.
- Click on ‘Lock UID' and enter your Aadhaar number along with your full name and PIN code.
- Click on ‘Send OTP' and enter the one-time password received on your registered mobile number.
- After verifying the OTP, your Aadhaar card will be successfully locked.
Once locked, your Aadhaar number cannot be used for authentication, preventing potential misuse.
SMS Method to Lock Aadhaar
To lock your Aadhaar via SMS, send a message from your registered mobile number in the format: “GETOTP (Last 4 digits of Aadhaar)” to 1947. For example, if your Aadhaar number ends in 3333, send: “GETOTP 3333”. You will receive a one-time password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. Next, send another SMS in the format: “LOCKUID (Last 4 digits of Aadhaar) (OTP)” to 1947. For instance, if your OTP is 123456, send: “LOCKUID 3333 123456”. Once processed, you will receive a confirmation message stating that your Aadhaar has been successfully locked.
How to Unlock Your Aadhaar Card
If you need to use Aadhaar-based services again, you will have to unlock your Aadhaar. The unlocking process can be completed online through the UIDAI website.
- Visit https://uidai.gov.in/.
- Click on the ‘My Aadhaar' tab and navigate to ‘Aadhaar Services'.
- Select ‘Aadhaar Lock/Unlock' and click on ‘Unlock UID'.
- Enter your 16-digit Virtual ID (VID) instead of your Aadhaar number.
- Click on ‘Send OTP' and enter the one-time password received on your registered mobile number.
- Submit your request, and your Aadhaar will be successfully unlocked.
Once unlocked, your Aadhaar can be used again for authentication purposes.
How to Download a Masked Aadhaar
A Masked Aadhaar is a safer version of your Aadhaar card, where the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number are hidden, and only the last four digits remain visible. This version helps protect your identity when sharing your Aadhaar in places like hotels, restaurants, and other public venues. A Masked Aadhaar is legally valid across India and is accepted by banks, government institutions, and private organisations.
To download a Masked Aadhaar, follow these steps:
- Go to https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/.
- Click on ‘Login' and enter your Aadhaar number and CAPTCHA.
- Click on ‘Send OTP', enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number, and log in.
- Select ‘Download Aadhaar' from the menu.
- Check the option ‘Do you want a masked Aadhaar?' before proceeding.
- Click ‘Download' and save the PDF file.
- Open the downloaded file and enter the password, which consists of the first four letters of your name (in uppercase) and your birth year in YYYY format.
For example, if your name is Amit Kumar and your birth year is 1990, your password will be AMIT1990.
Why Securing Your Aadhaar Is Important
Since Aadhaar is linked to essential services like banking, government subsidies, and mobile networks, its security is crucial. By regularly checking for suspicious activity, locking and unlocking Aadhaar when necessary, and using a Masked Aadhaar, you can protect yourself from fraud and identity theft. Being proactive about Aadhaar security ensures that your personal information remains safe from misuse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is a Masked Aadhaar?
A Masked Aadhaar is a secure version of the Aadhaar card where the first eight digits of the Aadhaar number are hidden, while the last four digits remain visible. It contains all other necessary details, including your photograph and QR code.
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How is a Masked Aadhaar different from a regular Aadhaar?
The only difference is that in a Masked Aadhaar, the first eight digits are hidden and replaced with “XXXX-XXXX,” ensuring better privacy while still serving as a valid identity document.
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Can a Masked Aadhaar be used for banking purposes?
Yes, a Masked Aadhaar is accepted as valid proof of identity for opening a bank account and other financial services.
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Where can I report Aadhaar-related fraud?
If you suspect misuse of your Aadhaar, you can contact UIDAI's toll-free helpline at 1947 or email [email protected] for assistance.
