Is Your Aadhaar Being Misused? Here’s How to Check and Safeguard It

As Aadhaar becomes increasingly integrated with key aspects of our lives—from bank accounts and mobile numbers to government schemes and digital services—its security is more important than ever. A compromised Aadhaar can lead to serious consequences, including identity theft and financial fraud. The good news? You can easily monitor and protect your Aadhaar. Here’s how.

How to Check If Your Aadhaar Has Been Misused

1. Visit the UIDAI Website
   Go to uidai.gov.in, the official website of the Unique Identification Authority of India.
   
2. Enter Your Aadhaar Details
   Input your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the displayed captcha code.
   
3. Login Using OTP
   You’ll receive a one-time password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. Enter it to proceed.
   
4. Check ‘Authentication History’
   Navigate to the ‘Authentication History’ section. This shows a log of where and when your Aadhaar was used.
   
5. Review for Suspicious Activity
   Look through the list carefully. If you notice any unfamiliar or unauthorized transactions, act immediately.
   

Simple Steps to Protect Your Aadhaar

1. Lock or Unlock Your Biometrics
You can prevent misuse of your biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans) by locking it:

• Go to the ‘My Aadhaar’ section on UIDAI’s site.
  
• Select ‘Biometric Lock’.
  
• Authenticate using OTP and choose to lock or unlock your biometrics.
  

2. Use a Virtual ID (VID) Instead of Aadhaar Number
To avoid sharing your Aadhaar number frequently, generate a temporary Virtual ID:

• Visit UIDAI’s portal and select ‘Generate VID’.
  
• Enter your Aadhaar number and authenticate with OTP.
  
• Use this VID for verification purposes. It can be regenerated anytime.
  

3. Manage Aadhaar via SMS
Even without internet access, you can control certain Aadhaar services through SMS:

• Generate a VID: Send GVID <AadhaarNumber> to 1947.
  
• Lock/Unlock Aadhaar: Send GETOTP <AadhaarNumber> to 1947, then follow prompts.
  

With just a few proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of Aadhaar misuse. Regularly check your authentication history, use a Virtual ID, and take advantage of biometric locks. Protect your digital identity—it’s your responsibility.