With the increasing use of Aadhaar for a slew of purposes today, cases of Aadhaar-related fraud are rapidly increasing. Scammers are using the very Aadhaar that was developed by the government to help citizens, which has now become the very way through which scammers can empty people’s bank accounts. Aadhaar is linked to everything-bank accounts, PAN cards, and mobile numbers. Therefore, it is crucial to learn how to ensure that your Aadhaar is safe and that you are able to save yourself from fraud.
For those who don’t know, an Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Government of India. It is required for banking, online transactions, and almost every government and official purpose.
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Aadhaar Card Function and Purpose
An Aadhaar card contains a person’s personal information. The information that the card is encrypted with includes name, address, date of birth, and biometric information such as fingerprints and eye scans. Aadhaar is also essential for availing benefits of government schemes.
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Necessity to Lock Aadhaar Credentials
Nowadays, without Aadhaar, it’s difficult to manage banking, mobile connections, property documents, and government schemes. Since Aadhaar is linked to your biometric and personal information, keeping it secure is crucial.
Scammers can take advantage of even small mistakes to withdraw money from your bank account. Yes, if you are unsure about how to keep your Aadhaar secure, the following methods will help.
You can lock your Aadhaar’s biometric information (fingerprints and iris scan) by visiting the UIDAI website. Once your biometrics are locked, no one will be able to use your Aadhaar for AePS or other biometric-based transactions. This significantly reduces the risk of fraud.
Step-by-Step Method to Lock Your Important Information in Aadhaar Card
- Visit the official website of UIDAI through the “My Aadhaar” section.
- Visit the official website of UIDAI: uidai.gov.in
- Click on “My Aadhaar” on the homepage.
- After this, go to the “Aadhaar Services” section.
- Here, click on the “Lock/Unlock Biometric” option.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number (UID) and captcha, and generate OTP.
- The OTP will come on your registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP and a password of your choice.
- Tick the box next to “Enable Biometric Locking” and click on the “Enable” button.
Now, the biometric information of your Aadhaar card is locked.
Benefits of Biometric Locking
Once your Aadhaar biometric is locked, no one can verify your identity using your Aadhaar. This means no one will be able to misuse this information, and the risk of bank fraud is significantly reduced.
Dangers of Sharing Aadhaar on Social Media
Sharing Aadhaar card details on social media or through unsecured channels can be very risky. Leaking your Aadhaar card photo or information can increase the risk of fraud. Therefore, Aadhaar card photos or information should never be shared on public platforms.
What Is a Masked Aadhaar?
A masked Aadhaar keeps your essential information protected. It hides the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number, leaving only the last four visible. For example, xxxx-xxxx-1234. This protects your identity and reduces the risk of misuse.