Aadhaar-enabled Payment System fraud ‘warning’: 10 dos and don’ts while using your Aadhaar card
Gadgets Now Bureau 06 Feb, 2024, 02:53PM IST
The government has suspended 70 lakh mobile numbers on account of suspicious transactions. The government had a meeting with various stakeholders in the backdrop of the rising digital frauds. The meeting was attended by officials of the finance ministry, NPCI, RBI and more. Emerging out of the meeting, financial services secretary Vivek Joshi said that banks have been asked to strengthen the system and processes in this regard.
More such meetings would take place, he said, adding the next meeting is scheduled in January. With regard to Aadhaar Enabled Payment System fraud, he said states have been asked to look into the issue and ensure data protection. In the past few weeks Police officials of several states have warned about frauds related to Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS). An AePS enables customers to do financial as well as non-financial transactions in their Aadhaar-linked accounts, by using their Aadhaar number and through biometric authentication. Here are simple tips that Aadhaar holders can follow to protect themselves from such frauds.
Not to do: Never share Aadhaar OTP or app password with anyone
Do not share your base One Time Password (OTP) with any person or agency. No UIDAI representative asks for an OTP through call, e-mail or SMS. So, do not share the OTP with anyone. Also, do not share your Aadhaar mobile app password with anyone and never keep the password same as the one you use for logging into your computer or for accessing your e-mail.
Not to do: Share Aadhaar card number on Facebook/Instagram
Never ever share your Aadhaar card number on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
To do: Keep digital copy of your Aadhaar card
UIDAI also recognises digital Aadhaar card. Hence, instead of printing the base, you can save the digital copy in your mobile or laptop. If you are downloading it on a public machine, do not forget to delete its local copy.
To do: Lock your Aadhaar biometrics
To avoid unintended Aadhaar based transactions in your bank account, you are advised to lock your biometrics in UIDAI.
To do: Make sure you have your mobile number updated on Aadhaar card
For basic verification and other features, please register your mobile number on your Aadhaar card. If you have not yet registered your number or changed the number then update it by visiting the nearest base centre.
To do: Always write the purpose of sharing your Aadhaar while giving it as identity proof
Do not forget to mention the purpose of the documents during its submission. For example: Suppose you share your Aadhaar card photocopy for a bank account opening, you should write on it as ‘Identity proof for account opening only at <XYZ> Bank’.
To do: Regularly track the history of your Aadhaar card usage
You can now visit the official website of UIDAI and easily track the history of your Aadhaar card. This will enable you to know the details where the unique identification code was used. Make sure you monitor your Aadhaar transactions regularly from UIDAI’s official website by logging in with your personal credentials.
To do: Check for Aadhaar biometric lock
You can also visit the official website of UIDAI to check whether it has an Aadhaar biometric lock or unlock system to protect the privacy of your Aadhaar data.
To do: Go for only UIDAI authorised agencies
Update your Aadhaar details only at UIDAI authorised agencies. Never share them or update anywhere else.
To do: Report immediately in case of any suspicion
If you suspect any misuse of your 12-digit unique number, please notify the concerned authorities immediately.
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