Guide to Keeping Your Aadhaar Details Safe
10 July, 2024
Synopsis
Handle Aadhaar details carefully for banking and KYC, ensuring secure data submission and storage.
Use Aadhaar for secure banking transactions like withdrawals and transfers, ensuring device certification.
Verify secure HTTPS platforms for online Aadhaar usage to avoid phishing and unsolicited requests.
As Aadhaar becomes increasingly central to our financial and personal verification processes, it is vital to handle these details with utmost care. Whether you're linking your Aadhaar to your bank account or using it for KYC verification, following best practices can significantly enhance your security. This guide provides essential Aadhaar card tips for online safe banking and other Aadhaar-related transactions.
What are the Common Aadhaar-Related Scams That Can Impact Banking?
Here are prevalent Aadhaar frauds you must know about:
Phishing: The scammers send fake URLs to obtain sensitive information like Aadhaar which can be further exploited.
Aadhaar-enabled Payment Services (AePS) Scams: Fraudsters can get access to your Aadhaar number or clone your fingertips. Fingerprints can be cloned using silicon replicas. Criminals can then use these cloned fingertips to withdraw money from the victim’s account.
Fake Enrolment Centres: Fraudsters can establish fake Aadhaar centres and collect confidential data under the pretext of updating your Aadhaar card data. They may also charge a fee to make such changes.
Banking Transactions That Use Aadhaar
Aadhaar-enabled banking transactions offer enhanced accessibility. This makes protecting your Aadhaar details extremely vital:
Biometric-based Withdrawals: Use your biometric details for secure cash withdrawals.
Aadhaar to Aadhaar Funds Transfers: Transfer funds securely between Aadhaar-linked accounts.
Balance Enquiries: Quickly check your account balance using Aadhaar authentication.
Deposit Transactions: Make deposits into your account through Aadhaar-verified processes.
How to Keep Your Aadhaar Details Safe
Here are a few tips to help you keep your Aadhaar information secure:
Keep your Aadhaar details private.
Use Virtual ID Generator: Instead of sharing your 12-digit Aadhaar number, you can share a 16-digit virtual ID (VID). You can generate the VID via the UIDAI website, mAadhaar app or Aadhaar SMS.
Lock Biometrics: You can lock and tentatively unblock your Aadhaar biometrics.
Lock Aadhaar: You can lock your Aadhaar, however, you won’t be able to authenticate using Aadhaar, VID or Aadhaar Number Capture Service (ANSC) token.
Do not share your Aadhaar-based one-time password (OTP). UIDAI representatives do not ask for an OTP through call, e-mail or SMS.
Check Aadhaar authentication history on the UIDAI website. This service provides detailed authentication transaction logs for Aadhaar authentication performed in the last six months. A maximum of 50 records can be viewed at once.
Update your mobile number with Aadhaar. Any updates on your Aadhaar will be notified via SMS, including attempts made to log into your Aadhaar account to steal sensitive data and cause financial ruin.
What is the RBI Mandate on Aadhaar Masking?
The RBI has mandated that all financial institutions must mask Aadhaar numbers in all documents and databases, exposing only the last four digits. This measure is to ensure the privacy and security of personal information. Customers should verify that institutions comply with this mandate before sharing their Aadhaar details, as this is a significant aspect of Aadhaar card tips for online safe banking.
Is it Safe to Share Aadhaar Number Online?
You may be required to share your Aadhaar number online for financial purposes, such as online Aadhaar-based bank account opening, checking Credit Card or Loan eligibility, etc. Always ensure the website uses HTTPS as part of its URL, indicating a secure connection. Additionally, be cautious about phishing websites and unsolicited requests for your Aadhaar details.
While Aadhaar has made banking and verification processes more straightforward, it is crucial to handle such sensitive information with care. Following these best practices will ensure your personal details remain protected, and your banking experience is both smooth and secure.
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Disclaimer: *Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.
