How to Prevent Aadhaar Fraud
As we move further into 2026, your Aadhaar card has become more than just an ID it is the digital key to your bank account, your mobile connection, and your government benefits. However, with great convenience comes a new wave of High-Tech fraudsters. From AePS scams where money is stolen using fingerprint clones to Identity Theft where your number is used for illegal loans, the risks are real.
The good news? UIDAI has launched some of the world's most advanced security tools to put the power back in your hands. In 2026, protecting yourself is no longer about hiding your card in a safe, it's about using the Digital Locks provided by the government. Whether you are sharing a photocopy or using your thumbprint at a local shop.
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Here are the essential steps to make your Aadhaar unhackable.
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Lock Your Biometrics
This is the single most important step you can take. Biometric locking ensures that even if someone steals your fingerprints or iris data, they cannot use it to withdraw money from your bank (via AePS) or verify your identity.
- How it Works: Once locked, any biometric request will result in an Error 330.
- To Lock: Open the new 2026 Aadhaar App or visit the myAadhaar portal. Under Aadhaar Services, click Lock/Unlock Biometrics.
- To Use: When you actually need to go to a bank or a SIM shop, you can Temporarily Unlock it for 10 minutes. It will automatically lock itself again after the time is up.
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Use Masked Aadhaar for Photocopies
Never share a full photocopy of your Aadhaar card with hotels, schools, or private offices.
- The Concept: A Masked Aadhaar shows only the last 4 digits (e.g., XXXX-XXXX-1234) but hides the rest.
- Why? It is 100% legal for identity proof but prevents fraudsters from knowing your full 12-digit number.
- How to Get: When downloading your e-Aadhaar from the website, simply tick the box that says Do you want a masked Aadhaar?
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Check Your Authentication History
Just like you check your bank statement, you should check who has been asking for your Aadhaar data.
- Action: In the myAadhaar portal, select Aadhaar Authentication History.
- What to look for: It shows you a list of every time your Aadhaar was used in the last 6 months whether via OTP, Biometric, or Demographic check. If you see a bank or a company you don't recognize, it's a major red flag!
Comparison: Virtual ID vs. Aadhaar Number
Feature
Using Aadhaar Number
Using Virtual ID (VID)
Privacy
Low (Shares your unique 12-digit ID).
High (Shares a temporary 16-digit ID).
Security
Permanent number (hard to change).
Temporary (You can delete & regenerate).
Acceptance
Accepted Everywhere.
Accepted Everywhere (Bank, SIM, KYC).
Validity
For life.
Valid until you generate a new one.
The Two-Step Photocopy Rule
If you must give a physical photocopy and don't have a masked version:
- Cross-Sign it: Draw two parallel lines across the photo.
- Write the Purpose: Between the lines, write: Provided only for [Purpose Name] on [Date]. This prevents someone from using that same photocopy for a different purpose later.