Your Aadhaar card is an important document that acts as proof of identification and helps you avail benefits from government schemes. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that your Aadhaar card doesn’t fall into malicious hands. Not only should you keep the physical card safe, but you should also ensure that its details aren’t accessible to malicious actors. Here’s how you can check if your Aadhaar card is safe.
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In This Article
Tips to prevent your Aadhaar card from being misused
If you don’t want malicious actors to get access to your Aadhaar card, you need to stay more vigil while using it. Here are some tips that will help.
Use masked Aadhaar wherever necessary: A masked Aadhaar card hides the first 8 digits of your unique Aadhaar number. It can be used as proof of identity in hotels, airports, public transportation, and other situations. Check out how you can download your masked Aadhaar card.
Do not share photocopies of your Aadhaar card: If you don’t have a masked Aadhaar card, avoid depositing photocopies of your Aadhaar card to third parties. It is a good idea to keep your unique Aadhaar number as private as possible.
Never share your Aadhaar OTP: UIDAI relies on OTP as a mode of Aadhaar authentication. Never share your OTP with anyone. Malicious entities can use it to make transactions on your behalf.
Update your mobile number: If you changed your mobile number, make sure you update it on your Aadhaar card to retain OTP authentication privileges.
Check your Aadhaar authentication history
Every transaction you make using your Aadhaar card is recorded and logged by UIDAI. Each transaction is assigned an ID and response code. UIDAI lets you view the last 50 transactions made using your Aadhaar in the last 6 months. If you suspect that your Aadhaar was used by someone else, you can view the detailed logs on the UIDAI website. If you notice any inconsistencies or unauthorised transactions, it means that your Aadhaar card is compromised.
Step 1: Go to the official AADHAAR portal.
Step 2: Move the cursor to My Aadhaar and click on Aadhaar Authentication History.
Step 3: Click on Login.
Step 4: Enter your Aadhaar card number along with the captcha displayed on the screen.
Step 5: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP in the portal. Hit Login.
Step 6: Click on Authentication History.
Step 7: Select All in the Modality dropdown menu and provide a date range.
Step 8: Click on Fetch Authentication History.
Step 9: Scroll down to view your Aadhaar authentication history.
Step 10: Go through the list of authentications. If you notice any log of unauthorised access, it means that your Aadhaar card is not safe.
Notice an unauthorised transaction? Here’s what you can do
If you notice an unauthorised transaction made using your Aadhaar card, check the name of the Authentication User Agency next to it. Use this list to contact that agency and report the transaction. Additionally, you can call UIDAI’s toll-free helpline number (1947) to report your issue. You can also contact UIDAI via email – help@uidai.gov.in.
Lock your Aadhaar biometrics
You can safeguard your biometric data registered on your Aadhaar card. However, this will prevent you from using your biometric information for Aadhaar transactions.
Step 1: Go to the official AADHAAR portal.
Step 2: Move the cursor to My Aadhaar and click on Lock/Unlock Biometrics.
Step 3: Click on Login.
Step 4: Enter your Aadhaar card number and the captcha displayed on the screen.
Step 5: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP in the portal. Hit Login.
Step 6: Click on Lock/Unlock Biometrics.
Step 7: Hit Next.
Step 8: Click the checkbox next to the cautionary message and hit Next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I download my Aadhaar card?
Go to the UIDAI portal and click on ‘Download Aadhaar’ under ‘My Aadhaar’. Log in using your Aadhaar number, EID, or VID. Enter the OTP sent to you on your mobile number. Click on ‘Verify & Download’.
What is a masked Aadhaar card?
A masked Aadhaar card hides the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number. You can use it as proof of identification without sharing the entirety of your unique Aadhaar number with third parties.
How do I view my Aadhaar transaction history and check if my card is safe?
Go to the official UIDAI portal, click on My Aadhaar>Aadhaar Authentication History, and click on ‘Login’. Log into the portal using your Aadhaar number. Once you’re logged in, click on ‘Authentication History’ select ‘All’ in Modality, enter a date range, and hit ‘Fetch Authentication History’.
How do I lock my Aadhaar biometrics?
Go to the UIDAR portal, select My Aadhaar>Lock/Unlock Biometrics, and log in using your Aadhaar number. Click on ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’ in the dashboard. Click on ‘Next’. Select the checkbox next to the cautionary message and click on ‘Next’ again. Your biometric information will be locked.
What is UIDAI’s helpline?
For queries related to your Aadhaar card, you can contact UIDAI using its toll-free helpline number – 1947.
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Final Thoughts
This is how you can check if your Aadhaar card is safe. While you’re here, check out how you can change the address on your Aadhaar card. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments!
