Aadhaar is one of the most important identity documents for Indian citizens — used for banking, mobile verification, subsidies, and more. But with rising digital frauds and identity theft cases, many people worry whether someone could be misusing their Aadhaar without their knowledge.
Thankfully, UIDAI offers multiple tools that let you check any suspicious activity linked to your Aadhaar and take immediate action if needed. Here’s how to stay safe.
Why Aadhaar Misuse Happens
Aadhaar misuse usually happens when:
Your Aadhaar number is shared with unauthorized people
KYC details are used fraudulently
OTP or biometric data is leaked
Fake agents misuse Aadhaar photocopies
Someone tries to link your Aadhaar with bank accounts or SIM cards illegally
Understanding the risks helps you detect fraud early.
✔ Step 1: Check Your Aadhaar Authentication History
UIDAI allows you to check where and when your Aadhaar was used.
You can view:
Authentication date & time
Type of authentication (OTP/biometric/demographic)
Whether it was successful or rejected
If you see authentications you did NOT perform, it may indicate misuse.
✔ Step 2: Lock Your Aadhaar Biometrics
To prevent unauthorized biometric use, you can lock your fingerprint and iris data.
Once locked, no one can use your biometrics — even if they have your Aadhaar number.
You can unlock it anytime when needed.
✔ Step 3: Enable Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID)
Instead of sharing your Aadhaar number, use VID, a temporary 16-digit number that protects your identity during KYC or verification processes.
VID ensures your actual Aadhaar number remains hidden.
✔ Step 4: Don’t Share Aadhaar Copies Everywhere
Only give photocopies to:
Verified institutions
Government offices
Trusted service providers
Avoid sharing Aadhaar on WhatsApp groups, unknown websites, or with agents.
✔ Step 5: Check Your Bank & Mobile Linking Status
If someone misuses your Aadhaar, they may try to:
Open a bank account
Link it with their SIM
Apply for loans
Keep track of your linked mobile numbers and financial accounts regularly.
✔ Step 6: Report Misuse Immediately
If you suspect unauthorized usage:
Raise a complaint with UIDAI
Inform your bank or telecom provider
File a cyber complaint on the national cybercrime portal
Lock your Aadhaar immediately
Early reporting helps prevent financial damage.
FAQs
Q1. Can someone misuse my Aadhaar without OTP?
Biometric misuse is possible if someone steals your fingerprint or iris data, which is why locking biometrics is important.
Q2. What should I do if I find an unknown authentication entry?
Immediately report it to UIDAI and lock your biometrics.
Q3. Is sharing Aadhaar photocopy safe?
It is safe only when shared with trusted sources. Avoid giving it to unverified agents.
Q4. What is Aadhaar VID?
A temporary virtual ID you can use instead of your Aadhaar number for secure KYC.
Q5. Can I track how many SIMs are linked to my Aadhaar?
Yes, you can check the mobile numbers linked to your Aadhaar using the telecom verification portal.
Published on : 14th November
Published by : SMITA
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Source Credit : Written by: Akash Dutta Edited by: Ketan Pratap/NDTV