In recent times, online fraud incidents have surged, with fraudsters employing fake or stolen Aadhaar cards to siphon money from bank accounts via the Aadhaar-enabled payment system (EPS).
In some cases, they even withdraw funds without requiring an OTP. To safeguard your hard-earned money, it’s crucial to be aware of these frauds.
Typically, fraudsters manipulate Aadhaar details and employ fake calls, SMS, and online links to dupe individuals.
Biometric locking of your Aadhaar can help protect you from such fraudulent activities.
When to Lock Your Aadhaar?
You can lock your Aadhaar card biometrically in the following situations:
- If your Aadhar card is lost or stolen.
- When you suspect any tampering with your biometrics.
- To secure your Aadhaar data from potential threats.
Understanding Aadhaar Biometrics Locking
Biometric locking and unlocking is a service that enables an Aadhaar holder to secure and temporarily unlock their biometrics. This feature enhances the privacy of biometric data.
Biometrics encompass fingerprint, iris, and facial recognition, and once locked, an Aadhaar holder cannot use these modalities for Aadhaar authentication.
Implications of Biometrics Locking
Locked biometrics mean that Aadhaar holders cannot use their biometrics, such as fingerprint, iris, or facial recognition, for Aadhaar authentication.
This security feature prevents unauthorized biometric authentication.
Unlocking Biometrics
To unlock your biometrics, visit the UIDAI website, a Nomination Center, or an Aadhaar Service Center.
A registered mobile number is a prerequisite for using this service. If your mobile number is not linked to your Aadhaar, you’ll need to register it first.
How to Lock Your Aadhaar Biometrics
You can lock your Aadhaar biometrics using the mAadhaar app or the UIDAI website.
Once locked, your biometrics cannot be used for Aadhaar authentication until you decide to unlock them.
Steps to Lock Aadhaar Biometrics Online
- Visit the UIDAI website.
- Click on the ‘MY Aadhaar’ tab.
- Under ‘Aadhaar Services,’ select ‘Aadhaar Lock/Unlock.’
- Enter your Aadhaar number or VID.
- Complete the captcha and request an OTP.
- Enter the four-digit security code displayed on the screen.
- Click on ‘Enable.’
By following these steps, you can ensure your Aadhaar biometrics remain secure and safeguard your identity from potential threats and fraudulent activities.
