Introduction of Aadhaar Cards in India has been a major milestone in the history of the country. More than 95% population is covered in the database of UIDAI. The government also realizes how important this data is and is taking steps to ensure that the security of every Aadhaar card holder is maintained. Multi-level security controls have been applied to avert the disclosure of confidential information. It is, however, the responsibility of every citizen also to safeguard the Aadhaar card and protect themselves from fraud. But, very often ignorance about maintaining the safety of Aadhaar card can lead to falling in the trap of malicious activities by fraudsters. Many cases, where people have been duped of their money have come to light. Let us discuss the ways by which we can prevent Aadhaar fraud.
To use different types of services such as rent registration, bank accounts, loans, insurance companies, etc. usage of Aadhaar has been too often. However, you should know the places where there is a necessity to give your Aadhaar details. You shouldn’t produce your Aadhaar details to anyone and everyone. It is utmost important to know the reason why you have been asked to give your Aadhaar details. There are high chances of your Aadhaar number been misused. Remember also not to let anyone know the OTP that you receive on your registered mobile number for authentication.
Every individual’s Aadhaar card contains his/her biometric details, which are the individual’s photograph, retinal scan and fingerprints. Biometrics is used to link your bank accounts, mobile numbers, etc. With the introduction of AePS, that is Aadhaar enabled Payment system, the bank transactions are also now possible using Aadhaar, therefore, it becomes all the more important to see to it that the details are safe and cannot be misused. We need to ensure that our Aadhaar biometrics are locked. This can be done online by following these simple steps:
The Aadhaar card authentication has made online transactions very easy. During this process, an OTP is sent to the registered mobile number which has to be entered to be eligible for the various services. Therefore, it becomes imperative to link your mobile number and your Aadhaar card. Once you receive the OTP remember not to ever share it with anyone under any circumstances. Many cases have been reported where fraudsters have called up people asking for the OTP received and then used them for hoax activities. To reduce such practices another feature has been introduced which is the TOTP (Time-based OTP). By using this feature you can generate this code in your mobile Aadhaar app for the process of authentication.
To verify your mobile number registered with the Aadhaar card, you need to visit the official website of UIDAI. There will be an option of “Verify Email/Mobile number”. When you click it you will be redirected to a page where you need to fill in your details including the security code and then click “Get OTP”. You will soon receive the code which is to be entered in the OTP field, thereafter click ‘Verify OTP’. If the verification is complete you will be taken to a page that would say, “Congratulations”.
In case you lose/stop using the mobile number that is registered with your Aadhaar, you must update your mobile number at the earliest. If you are linking your mobile for the first time or have to correct the number that is registered with the UIDAI, you would have to visit your nearest Aadhaar centre and fill in the Update/Correction form or download the same from the website. The form is to be submitted to the designated official. Once the verification is done it would take 7-10 days for the updation to be complete.
The visual ID, which is a temporary code of 16 digits, is a substitute for your Aadhaar number. The Aadhaar Virtual ID adds an extra layer of security to your Aadhaar details. It can be used for Aadhaar authentications and also for your e-KYC at government and private agencies. A virtual ID can be generated and share it with the agency. Once verified, the new virtual ID can be generated the next day, making it almost impossible for anyone to find out your details.
Can Aadhar number be shared?
Sharing your personal information like Aadhaar card details, email id and contact details etc. are commonly done on the internet for availing certain services. It should be remembered that just like other identity documents, the Aadhaar card details should be shared only after careful verification. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) maintains that when people share their Aadhaar card details for digital activities they should take due precautions.
Can I withdraw money from Aadhar card?
With the help of Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS), financial transactions can be made using the Aadhar card number and verifying the details through fingerprints. If your Aadhaar card is linked with your bank account, you can withdraw money using the same. You can also send money from one account to the other by feeding your Aadhaar number in the PoS machine.
How can I get my lost Aadhaar card?
Finding your lost Aadhaar Card will be possible if someone finds it and returns it to you. If you have lost it you can get a duplicate copy online. In order to retrieve the lost card, you must have the registered mobile number and the email, as you would receive the OTP there. Visit the UIDAI website www.uidai.gov.in, under ‘Aadhaar Online Services’ you will find ‘Retrieve Lost UID/EID’. Fill in your details and click “Send OTP”. Once the entered details provided by you are verified, you can download the e-copy.
How does a biometrics work?
Biometric means using automated methods to recognize a person based on his physiological features. The features which are measured while Aadhaar car authorization are fingerprints, facial photograph and retinal scan. The unique physical feature of a human being helps identify as well as verify a person’s identification.
Is it safe to share Aadhar card?
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) maintains that when people share their Aadhaar card details for digital activities they should take due precautions, however, they also maintain that sharing the Aadhar details is safe. The agency also stated that, “Publication of Aadhaar cards by some people have absolutely no bearing on UIDAI and not the least on Aadhaar security.
How many types of biometrics are there?
There are two types of biometric sensors-physiological and behavioural. The physiological type covers an individual’s face recognition, fingerprint, iris recognition, hand geometry and DNA. The behavioural biometrics includes the voice recognition and the signatures of an individual.
What does biometric means?
Biometrics is made of two words-bio meaning life and metric meaning measure. It is a method of authentication in which science and technology are used for the process of information assurance. It is used for security systems and also for replacement systems for ID cards, Tokens etc. a biometric system collects data, such as fingerprints, facial photograph and retinal scan, and transforms it into a usable and digital format.
What can biometrics be used for?
The most common use of biometrics is for security purposes. From mobiles and laptops to voter registrations, from government agencies to private organisations, just about everything relies on biometrics. Mobiles and laptops are featured with fingerprint locks, net banking can be accessed through fingerprints, developed countries use biometrics to tighten border security. The Aadhar card too makes use of biometrics.
What does biometrics mean for immigration?
Just like many other countries, Indian authorities have introduced a compulsory biometric requirement for all the foreign nationals who apply for their visa extension or registration. The biometric records which are collected at Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) and at the Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRRO) are then cross-verifies with the entry points of the foreign nationals.
What is biometric identification?
Biometrics helps to identify a person. It answers the question ‘Who are You?’ In both physical as well as digital scenarios. The biometrics help the national identity system like the UIDAI, to carry out law enforcement, Defence and also border control.
What is a biometrics test?
A biometrics test is a clinical process of screening that is done to identify an individual. The test may be performed for employees of a company to identify the employees’ physical and health conditions. A biometrics test helps in the collection of data of the employees.
What types of biometrics are there?
Biometrics is of two types-behavioural and physiological. The physiological type covers an individual’s face recognition, fingerprint, iris recognition, hand geometry and DNA. The behavioural biometrics include the voice recognition and the signatures of an individual.
Who invented biometrics?
The use of biometrics can be traced back to the Egyptian and Chinese civilizations, however, European Explorer Joao De Barros is said to have recorded the first fingerprints in the 14th century. Physicist John Daugman brought tremendous development to the biometric system of iris recognition.
Why is biometrics important?
Protecting one’s confidentiality has become very difficult as technology has infiltrated every aspect of life. Governments and private organisations are using biometrics to create a safer environment. In such a scenario biometrics helps in identifying citizens from criminals and fraudsters. It offers security, timeliness and accountability to every individual.
