Aadhaar Card Frauds and Scams: How to Stay Safe and Prevent Misuse

India's unique identification system, Aadhaar, has made it easier to access banking services, online facilities, or government schemes. However, this ease of use also makes it easier for people to commit Aadhaar card fraud. It can be stealing someone's identity or misusing their Aadhaar information and biometric data.

Fraudsters generally use fake calls, forged Aadhaar cards, or unauthorised Aadhaar-enabled payment system (AePS) transactions to gain confidential information. In this blog, you will learn effective ways to identify, prevent, and report Aadhaar card fraud activities. Read on!

Understanding Aadhaar Card Frauds

When fraudsters use your Aadhaar number, biometric information, or confidential data without your permission, it is known as Aadhaar card fraud. This could lead to:

• Fake bank accounts or loans opened in your name

• Entering into government initiatives or benefits without permission

• Transactions that seem unexpected when using Aadhaar-enabled payment systems

• Using Aadhaar photocopies for KYC purposes in the wrong way

Even sharing your Aadhaar card photocopy may result in fraud if it is given to the wrong person.

Common Ways Aadhaar is Misused

Fraudsters may try to: 

• Use fake websites or phishing links to steal your Aadhaar details

• Make a copy of your biometric information from compromised devices

• Create false identities using leaked Aadhaar numbers

• Use AePS for accessing linked bank accounts

• Create fake Aadhaar photocopies in order to perform fraudulent transactions

Before providing your Aadhaar for any official reason, always confirm the source.

How to Prevent Aadhaar Card Fraud?

Here are the ways to prevent Aadhaar card misuse and protect your identity:

Use a Masked Aadhaar

You can download a masked Aadhaar card by visiting the UIDAI website. It keeps your identity safe by hiding the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number.

Lock Your Aadhaar

You can lock your Aadhaar biometrics either using the mobile app or by visiting the UIDAI website. This makes it less likely that someone will be able to use an unauthorised fingerprint or iris scan for verification purposes.

Avoid Sharing Unnecessarily

Never give photocopies of your Aadhaar to unverified individuals. To avoid reuse, state "For KYC only" and mention the date on which it is being submitted.

Monitor Aadhaar Activities

Review your bank statements often to keep an eye on any transactions that seem unusual. Set up transaction alerts on your linked mobile number to receive timely updates.

Use Virtual ID (VID)

Instead of sharing your Aadhaar number with anyone, build a virtual ID on the UIDAI website. It keeps your Aadhaar safe and works as a temporary code to verify your identity.

Also Read: What is Masked Aadhaar: Meaning & How to Download It

Steps to Check Misuse of the Aadhaar Card

Here are the steps to check the misuse of your Aadhaar card:

1. Go to the UIDAI Authentication History page.

2. Next, provide your Aadhaar number and the captcha code.

3. Enter the OTP that was sent to your registered mobile number.

4. Review all the recent authentication activities to find out whether there was any fraud.

If you find anything that seems fraudulent, notify the UIDAI immediately. To prevent fraudsters from misusing Aadhaar cards, always stay aware and alert.

How to Report Misuse of the Aadhaar Card?

You can easily file an Aadhaar card fraud complaint online if you suspect that your Aadhaar is being misused. Go to the UIDAI grievance redressal page to do this. You can also call 1947 for support from UIDAI for mail at help@uidai.gov.in. Share your Aadhaar number, your registered mobile number, and a description of the scam. UIDAI will investigate and take the necessary actions. For the cases related to fake Aadhaar cards, you can file a complaint with your local police station or the nearest cybercrime cell.

Additional Tips to Safeguard Your Aadhaar Card

Here are some simple yet effective tips to further safeguard the sensitive information on your Aadhaar card.

• When you're not using your biometrics, always lock and unlock them.

• Make sure your Aadhaar card and mobile number are up to date.

• Don't share your Aadhaar number over the phone, email or any social media platform.

• To know the latest happenings with your Aadhaar, log in to the mAadhaar app periodically.

• For Aadhaar-related services, only use official UIDAI portals.

Potential Consequences of Ignoring Aadhaar Fraud

Here's how ignoring Aadhaar fraud can lead to potential consequences:

• Financial losses due to unauthorised loans or financial activities

• Identity theft through the misuse of personal details and biometric information

• A negative impact on your credit score, leading to legal challenges in future

• Losing control of Aadhaar, which is difficult to retrieve

Access to confidential data by scammers can raise the chances of frequent fraud attempts. Therefore, always use secure channels when sharing Aadhaar information, verify all requests, and report any misuse immediately.

To Conclude

Your Aadhaar is more than just an ID card; it's an entry point to get into your digital and financial world and an important document for availing credit such as a Personal Loan. You can safeguard your Aadhaar card from being misused by staying careful. Utilise a masked Aadhaar, lock your biometric data, and report any suspicious activities right away. Keeping an eye on your Aadhaar-linked accounts and staying alert will help you maintain peace of mind in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible for someone to misuse my Aadhaar even if I don't share the physical card?

Yes. Phishing, data breaches, or fraudulent verification calls can give fraudsters access to your Aadhaar number or biometric data. Always check your authentication history and lock your biometric data while you're not using it.

Is it safe to connect Aadhaar to more than one service, such as a bank account or a mobile number?

Linking is safe as long as you only do it through authorised channels. However, each linked service makes you more vulnerable. To lower your risk, use masked Aadhaar and virtual IDs whenever possible.

Is it possible for scammers to create fake SIM cards using the Aadhaar card?

Yes. Fraudsters usually exploit Aadhaar to commit SIM card fraud. In this, they link your Aadhaar card to new mobile connections. Always check requests for mobile verification and use UIDAI-approved procedures to stop such activities.

Is it possible to permanently lock my Aadhaar biometrics?

Yes. You can lock your Aadhaar biometrics at any moment using the mAadhaar app or the UIDAI website. You can also unlock them temporarily when you need to verify them.

Can I use a masked Aadhaar as a valid ID proof everywhere?

Yes, a masked Aadhaar is accepted as a valid proof of identity across India. It safely hides your full Aadhaar number while keeping your identity verifiable.