- Date : 02/11/2023
- Read: 3 mins
What is the new Aadhaar fraud? How you can protect your Aadhaar details from scamsters? Read on for more.
Two hackers were arrested after stealing biometrics and other data and for fraud in the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS). Yes, a different kind of evil is in town. The one that steals your Aadhaar details and empties your bank accounts. To ward off their evil eye, you must lock your Aadhaar biometrics and be mindful of any unauthorised access.
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Aadhaar frauds are being done by exploiting Aadhaar numbers and duplicating fingerprints
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Aadhaar-enabled payment services (AEPS) are most vulnerable to these frauds
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Over Rs 100 crores have been swindled by cyber criminals in India
Fair Warning
The State Bank of India, Kolkata Police and Bengaluru Police are among the authorities who have recently pointed out the instances of hackers exploiting the AEPS to siphon off bank accounts. All of these authorities have stressed the importance of locking one’s Aadhaar biometrics to avoid any misuse.
Notably, only Aadhaar number holders with registered mobile numbers can lock their biometrics. The Aadhaar holder can temporarily lock and unlock their Aadhaar biometrics.
Protecting Aadhaar Details
The panacea for avoiding this type of fraud is to lock your Aadhaar biometrics. You can lock your Aadhaar online at any time. To lock your Aadhaar biometrics you must –
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Visit the UIDAI website or the link https://resident.uidai.gov.in/bio-lock
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Fill your Aadhaar number or virtual ID
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Enter the captcha and get OTP
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Enable the Aadhaar lock after entering the 4-digit security code as seen on the screen
Alternatively, you can also lock your Aadhaar biometrics through the mAadhaar app. You can do so by clicking on the three dots on the top of your mAadhaar app screen, click on Lock Biometrics, and enter the 4-digit PIN.
If you haven’t used the mAadhaar app yet, just download it and register your Aadhaar number. Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered phone number, and set your PIN.
Want To Unlock?
Unlocking Aadhaar details is just as simple. All you need is your latest Virtual ID (VID). If you don’t remember it, just SMS RVID followed by a space and then the last 4 or 8 digits of your Aadhaar ID. And send it to 1947.
You have to visit the UIDAI website and choose the Unlock option. Here you must enter your latest VID and security code. Then click on Send OTP or choose TOTP, and submit. You can also unlock the Aadhaar biometrics through the mAadhaar app.
Conclusion
Aadhaar-related fraud is not a new phenomenon. In 2018, it was observed that after only 27 reported frauds during 2011-2016, as many as 138 cases were reported in the next two years. The Aadhaar biometric fraud is the latest news on this problem, and it is something you should be cautious about.
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Also Read: Govt Tips For Combating Aadhaar Card Fraud: How To Prevent Misuse Of Aadhaar Card?
