Aadhaar has become an essential identity document in India, required for everything from banking to travel. However, its widespread use also makes it vulnerable to fraud. Cybercriminals can misuse Aadhaar details without your knowledge, leading to unauthorized activities. To protect yourself, it's crucial to monitor your Aadhaar usage regularly and take necessary security measures. Let’s explore how you can check if your Aadhaar is being misused and what to do if you suspect fraud.

How to Check If Your Aadhaar is Misused

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) provides a tool to track Aadhaar usage. By accessing the Authentication History on the myAadhaar portal, you can see when and where your Aadhaar has been used.

Steps to Track Aadhaar Usage:

1. Visit the UIDAI website – Go to the official UIDAI portal.

2. Login with OTP – Enter your Aadhaar number and the captcha code. Click on ‘Login with OTP.’

3. Check authentication history – Review all transactions linked to your Aadhaar. If you notice any unauthorized activity, report it immediately.

What to Do If Your Aadhaar Is Misused?

If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it to UIDAI immediately. Here’s how:

• Call UIDAI Helpline: Dial 1947 (Toll-Free) to report Aadhaar-related issues.

• Email UIDAI: Send your complaint to help@uidai.gov.in with details of the suspicious activity.

How to Lock Your Aadhaar Biometrics

UIDAI allows you to lock your biometrics (fingerprint and iris data) to prevent unauthorized access. Even if someone knows your Aadhaar number, they won’t be able to use it for authentication without your consent.

Steps to Lock Aadhaar Biometrics:

1. Visit UIDAI’s official website.

2. Go to the ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’ section.

3. Enter required details – Provide your Aadhaar number, Virtual ID (VID), name, and PIN code.

4. Verify with OTP – Click ‘Send OTP’ and enter the received OTP to complete the process.

5. Confirm biometric lock – Once locked, no one can use your biometrics for authentication.

When Should You Update Your Aadhaar?

UIDAI recommends updating your Aadhaar details in certain situations:

• If your Aadhaar hasn’t been updated in the last 10 years.

• If you’ve undergone a significant biometric change due to an accident.

• If a child has turned 15, an Aadhaar update is mandatory.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Secure

With Aadhaar linked to essential services, safeguarding it is crucial. Regularly checking authentication history, reporting unauthorized access, and locking biometrics are simple yet effective ways to enhance security. Stay informed and take proactive steps to keep your Aadhaar safe from misuse.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Aadhaar remains a secure and trustworthy identity document. Keep monitoring your Aadhaar usage and take action whenever necessary to avoid fraud.