As Aadhaar remains one of India’s most widely used identity documents, scammers are increasingly targeting people to steal or misuse Aadhaar details for financial fraud, fake accounts, or identity theft. To help citizens stay safe, authorities and experts have shared key precautions you should take to avoid falling victim to Aadhaar‑related scams.
1. Use Masked Aadhaar Instead of the Full Number
One of the simplest ways to protect your Aadhaar number is to use Masked Aadhaar whenever possible. A masked Aadhaar hides the first eight digits of your 12‑digit Aadhaar number and displays only the last four, which is still valid as identity proof. This prevents your full Aadhaar number from being exposed unnecessarily — reducing the risk of misuse if the data falls into the wrong hands.
2. Never Share Your Aadhaar Details Online or With Strangers
Don’t post your Aadhaar photo or number on social media, WhatsApp, emails, or other public forums — even if the request seems legitimate. Scammers often collect Aadhaar details through such careless sharing and use them for unauthorized transactions, linking them to fake SIM cards, bank accounts, or loans. Only provide your Aadhaar when it’s absolutely essential and to trusted, official entities.
3. Never Share OTPs or Personal Verification Codes
Be extremely cautious about sharing OTP (One‑Time Passwords), PINs, or security codes with anyone — even if they claim to be from a bank, government agency, or customer support. Legitimate institutions will never ask you to reveal your OTP or Aadhaar number over a phone call, SMS, or email. Sharing these codes can give attackers the ability to authenticate as you and access sensitive accounts.
4. Lock Your Aadhaar biometric Data
Your biometric details (fingerprints and iris scans) linked to Aadhaar are extremely sensitive — and if they fall into the wrong hands, they can be misused for unauthorized Aadhaar‑enabled transactions (such as AePS withdrawals). To prevent this, you can enable the Aadhaar biometric lock through the official uidai website or the mAadhaar app. When locked, these biometrics cannot be used for authentication unless you explicitly unlock them, providing an extra layer of protection.
🔐 Extra Precautions You Should Take Too
➡️ Check Aadhaar authentication history: Regularly review where and when your Aadhaar has been used for e‑KYC or authentication — available on the uidai portal.
➡️ Delink Aadhaar from non‑essential apps: Remove your Aadhaar from wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital wallets or apps that don’t require it — this limits exposure if an app gets hacked.
➡️ Use Virtual ID (VID): Instead of your Aadhaar number, many services now accept a 16‑digit VID for verification, keeping your actual Aadhaar number safe.
➡️ Report misuse immediately: If you suspect any fraudulent use of your Aadhaar, file a complaint with uidai (call 1947 or email help@uidai.gov.in) and consider registering with the cybercrime portal.
Why It Matters
Aadhaar is linked to many essential services — from bank accounts and government subsidies to mobile and financial apps — so unauthorized access can lead not just to identity theft but also financial losses and misuse in your name. Taking simple precautions can drastically reduce your risk of falling prey to scammers.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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