Aadhaar has become a bludgeon for identity theft lately. If any fake person will have your Aadhaar number, he can easily create your e -Aadhar card and use it for malicious purposes. In fact, several cases have recently emerged where innocent people have faced the misuse of their Aadhaar details. In such incidences, their Aadhaar number was used by some other person for fraudulent purposes and they remain unaware of the same.
If you are also concerned about these issues and want to prevent the misuse of your Aadhaar card details, here are some prominent ways with which you can save your Aadhaar number from being tainted.
- You must also keep your Aadhaar card safely with you rather than handing it over to some other person in your acquaintance. There can be instances in which those people may misuse your card details or perhaps misplace the card.
- There are times when you are required to provide Aadhaar card as a proof of identity to avail some services. Well, in that case, remember to take your card back from the respective person once all the identity checks have been done.
- Whenever you get any of your document copied (this applied to your Aadhaar card as well) try to be observant of the things happening around.
- You are required to furnish a photocopy of your Aadhaar for various purposes. It is wise to mention the purpose of the document during its submission while providing a photocopy at some office or department. For example, if you are providing Aadhaar card at the bank for account opening process. Simply mention “ID proof for account opening at “XYZ” bank.
- You should not share your pdf password of e Aadhaar card with others as they can then access your e-Aadhaar and use it for malicious activities.
In addition to this, you may even lock your Aadhaar details by following the below steps:
UIDAI also provides the automatic biometric locking system to keep Aadhaar details on the card intact. Using this facility you can lock Aadhaar data using your biometric details online. The biometric locking can be unlocked online and also via an m-Aadhaar mobile app available for download on Google app store for Android phone users only. Even when locked using biometric, Aadhar card download and print facility can be availed by the user.
To lock your biometric data online, below are the steps that you need to follow:
Step 1: Go to the Aadhaar locking website http://resident.uidai.gov.in/biometric-lock
Step 2: Enter your 12-digit unique identification number embossed on your Aadhaar card
Step 3: Click on “Send OTP” option available
Step 4: Soon you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number
Step 5: Enter OTP in the column available for it, and tap on “Log in” option
Step 6: Once done with this, choose the “Enable” tab. This locks your biometric data automatically.
Step 7: The confirmation of the same will appear on the screen thereafter
Steps to Unlock the Aadhaar Data
Follow these steps to unlock the Aadhaar data:
Step 1: Go to the Aadhaar locking website http://resident.uidai.gov.in/biometric-lock
Step 2:Enter 12-digit unique identification number given on your Aadhaar card
Step 3:Click on “Send OTP” option available
Step 4:Shortly you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number
Step 5:Enter OTP in the box specified for it, and click on the “Log in” option
Step 6:Once done with this step, click the “Unlock” tab. It takes 10 minutes to unlock your biometric data automatically.
Step 7:The confirmation of the same will appear on the screen thereafter
An Aadhaar card successfully serves as valid proof of identity for various purposes. By staying prepared for its safety, one can prevent malicious use of their Aadhaar card details. Below is the list of few transactions that require Aadhaar Card as an essential pre-requisite:
- Digital Locker: Commonly known as the DigiLocker, a digital locker is a government-owned cloud-based platform which can be used to upload and store an e-copy of all your essential documents. Since it comes with ultimate safety features, losing your important identity cards, mark sheets, driving license and other significant documents is not a problem here. With DigiLocker, you can access any of the important documents without having the need to carry every document with you.
- Provident Fund: An Aadhaar or the UAN is important in the online withdrawal of PF fund. As part of the online withdrawal of the provident fund, you can submit the PF withdrawal application online without seeking your employer’s assistance. Using Aadhaar card, you can even check your PF balance and withdraw it once you switch job.
- Banking Transactions: All conduct banking transactions also require Aadhaar card. Whether it is for account opening or depositing funds above Rs 50,000/-, you are required to furnish your Aadhaar card. Government has also made mandatory to link your Aadhaar number with existing bank accounts or your account will be considered as invalid.
- Mutual Fund Investments: An investment in mutual funds also requires Aadhaar card as an essential pre-requisite while filling e-KYC. e-KYC is a paperless process to validate your identity. While investing in the mutual funds, you are required to provide you Permanent Account Number, mobile number, Aadhaar number, and email ID to initiate the mutual fund e-KYC process after which you’ll receive one-time password on your mobile number. Upon entering the OTP, the e-KYC form will get auto-populated with your Aadhaar data. Next, UIDAI will verify your data and within 15 minutes you can make investments in mutual funds.
- Passport Application: Aadhaar card is also mandatory when applying for passport. With the help of Aadhaar number, you can easily postpone police verification process and get your passport in mere 10 days from the date of application. Nevertheless, the police verification is done after you have received your passport.
So, all in all, it can be stated that Aadhaar card has made the life of Indian citizens a lot simple and convenient. However, to keep Aadhaar card details private, people need to be a bit cautious while handing their Aadhaar cards to anyone else or when providing a photocopy of the document for a service.
Contributed byhttps://www.paisabazaar.com/
