Protect your Aadhaar from Online Misuse

Aadhaar has become essential for banking, mobile connections, and government services.

This makes protecting your Aadhaar data more important than ever.

Cybercriminals are constantly trying new ways to misuse it.

Here are five practical steps you can take to keep your Aadhaar safe online.

Scammers often ask for your OTP, pretending to be bank officials, customer care executives, or government representatives.

Remember, no genuine authority will ever ask for your Aadhaar OTP via call, message, or email.

Sharing your OTP can allow criminals to access Aadhaar-linked services. Always treat your OTP like your ATM PIN—keep it private.

Masked Aadhaar shows only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number, making it safer if your document is shared.

Whenever verification is needed, choose the masked Aadhaar option instead of the full number.

It provides enough proof while keeping sensitive information protected.

Locking your Aadhaar prevents it from being used for authentication without your permission.

Once locked, no one can verify your Aadhaar unless you temporarily unlock it.

This is useful if you don’t use Aadhaar-based services frequently and adds an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.

Biometric data like fingerprints and iris scans are highly sensitive.

Locking this information ensures no one can use it for authentication without your consent.

You can unlock it temporarily when needed and lock it again afterward.

This greatly reduces the risk of identity fraud.

Avoid posting your Aadhaar on social media or sending it through unsecured platforms.

Even a photo of your Aadhaar card can be misused.

Share it only when absolutely necessary and through trusted channels.

Always think twice before uploading or forwarding Aadhaar details.

Following these simple precautions will help protect your Aadhaar from online scams and unauthorized use.

Staying alert is the key to keeping your personal data safe.