How to Check and Report Misuse of an Aadhaar Card?

Aadhaar card misuse refers to the unauthorised use of an individual’s Aadhaar details for fraud, identity theft, or illegal transactions. With Aadhaar linked to banking, mobile numbers, and government services, checking and reporting misuse of Aadhaar card details is essential to prevent financial loss and protect personal identity.

Key Highlights

• You can check misuse of Aadhaar card details through the UIDAI authentication history feature.
• Locking Aadhaar biometrics helps prevent fraudulent use of fingerprints and iris data.
• Aadhaar misuse can be reported online, by email, or via UIDAI’s toll-free helpline.

What is Aadhaar Card Fraud and its Potential Consequences?

Aadhaar card fraud involves unauthorized access or manipulation of India's unique identification system. Consequences include financial losses, identity theft, and misuse of personal data for fraudulent activities. 

Victims may face difficulties in accessing services, financial transactions, or even legal implications. To mitigate risks, individuals should safeguard their Aadhaar details, report any suspicious activities promptly, and stay informed about security measures implemented by authorities. 

The government continually works to enhance security protocols to protect citizens from potential fraud associated with Aadhaar cards.

Examples of Aadhaar Card Fraud Cases

Below are some of the examples of misuse of the Aadhaar card:

Data Leakage From Unsecured Systems

When Aadhaar details submitted to private or government institutions are stored on unsecured servers or databases, hackers can gain unauthorised access. Stolen Aadhaar data can then be used to impersonate individuals, open fake accounts, or carry out illegal activities in their name.

Biometric Misuse Through Aadhaar-Enabled Payment System (AePS)

There have been multiple cases where criminals misused leaked Aadhaar biometric data to withdraw money using the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS). By replicating fingerprints or exploiting compromised biometric devices, fraudsters were able to debit funds directly from victims’ bank accounts.

Fraudulent Aadhaar Linking Scams

Scammers often contact individuals posing as officials and convince them to link their Aadhaar card with services such as mobile numbers or bank accounts. During this process, personal information is extracted and later misused for financial fraud or identity theft.

Public Exposure of Aadhaar Details (TRAI Incident)

In 2018, the then chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) publicly shared his Aadhaar number to highlight security claims. Shortly after, individuals were able to trace personal details online and even deposit money into his bank account, demonstrating how exposed Aadhaar data can be misused.

Aadhaar Data Displayed on Government Websites

In 2017, the government admitted that several central and state government websites were publicly displaying Aadhaar numbers and personal details of beneficiaries. Such exposure increases the risk of privacy violations, identity theft, and misuse of Aadhaar card information.

How to Check Misuse of Aadhaar Card?

Here are the steps to check whether your Aadhaar card has been misused or not:

Step 1: Visit the myAadhaar portal. 

Step 2: Click on login on the right-hand side.

Step 3: Enter your Aadhaar number, and captcha code, and click ‘Login With OTP’.

Step 4: Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered phone number and click ‘Login’.

Step 5: Click on ‘Authentication History’.

Step 6: Select ‘All’ under the ‘Select Modality’ option. Select the start date and the end dates for which you want to check your authentication history and click ‘Fetch Authentication History’.

Now you can see the history of authentications done with your Aadhaar details. You can file a complaint on the official UIDAI website if you find any suspicious activities.

How to Lock Your Aadhaar Card Biometrics Online?

You can lock your Aadhaar card to prevent its misuse. Please remember that you need your virtual ID to lock your Aadhaar card. If you don't have one already, you can create it from the official website. Once you have your virtual ID, here are the steps you will have to follow to block your Aadhaar.

Step 1: Visit the myAadhaar portal. 

Step 2: Scroll down and click on ‘Lock/Unlock Aadhaar’.

Step 3: Read the guidelines and click on ‘Next’.

Step 4: Enter the virtual ID, your full name, Pincode, and captcha, and click on ‘Send OTP’.

Step 5: Enter the OTP and click on ‘Submit’ to lock your Aadhaar card.

How to Report Misuse of Aadhaar Card?

You can call the number 1947, email - help@uidai.gov.in, or lodge a complaint on the UIDAI website to report the fraudulent activities of your Aadhaar card.

How to Prevent Misuse of Aadhaar Card Photocopy?

One way to prevent the misuse of your Aadhaar card photocopy is to attest your signature and provide the purpose for which it is being provided, along with the date and time.

Another step you can take is to provide a masked Aadhaar instead. In a masked Aadhaar, the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number are masked. Here are the steps to download a masked Aadhaar card:

Step 1: Visit the official myAadhaar portal and log in with your credentials.

Step 2: Click on ‘Download Aadhaar’.

Step 3: Click on ‘Do you want a masked Aadhaar?’ and click on ‘Download’.

It is recommended that you do not use a public computer, such as the one in an internet cafe, to download your Aadhaar card. If you use a public computer, ensure your downloaded Aadhaar card is deleted from that computer.

Overall, we have discussed the major ways in which Aadhaar card misuse happens and how to prevent it. If you suspect your Aadhaar card has been misused, you should lock it and complain to UIDAI. Photocopies of Aadhaar cards should be attested with the reason for which they are being provided. Never use a public computer to access your Aadhaar biometrics.

Related Aadhaar Articles:
1. How To Check Aadhar PAN Card Link Status Online?
2. How to Lock Aadhaar Biometric Online?
3. PAN Aadhaar Link 
4. Aadhaar Card Pan Card Link Status
5. How to Check Aadhaar Card Link with Bank Account?
6. Aadhaar Card Customer Care Number
7. How To Scan Aadhaar Card Using QR Code?
8. Check Aadhaar Card Pan Card Link Status