Aadhaar Misuse Check: The Aadhaar card is an important document for Indians, used for government work and as ID proof. As the Government of India prioritizes digitization, most tasks are now done online. While this has made work easier, it also comes with its risks. Scammers can misuse important documents like your Aadhaar card. In this article, we will share some steps, introduced by the Indian government, to check if someone else is using your Aadhaar.

How to Check Aadhaar Usage?

If you suspect someone is using your Aadhaar card, you can verify the related activities. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) offers an authentication history check facility. You can visit the official myAadhaar portal to check the activity linked to your Aadhaar number. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Go to the official myAadhaar website.
  2. Enter your Aadhaar number and captcha code, then click on ‘Login With OTP.’
  3. Enter the one-time password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number. This will open your account.
  4. Click to access your authentication history.
  5. Select a timeline and review the list of activities.
  6. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it immediately.

How to Report Suspicious Activity?

If you find any unusual activity linked to your Aadhaar, you can report it in two ways:

  • Call UIDAI’s toll-free helpline at 1947.
  • Email UIDAI at help@uidai.gov.in.

How to Lock Your Aadhaar Card Biometrics Online

You can lock your Aadhaar card to prevent its misuse. To lock your Aadhaar, you need a Virtual ID. If you don’t have one, you can create it from the official website. Once you have your Virtual ID, follow these steps to lock your Aadhaar:

  • Visit the official myAadhaar portal.
  • Scroll down and click on ‘Lock/Unlock Aadhaar.’
  • Read the guidelines and click on ‘Next.’
  • Enter your Virtual ID, full name, Pincode, and captcha, then click on ‘Send OTP.’
  • Enter the OTP and click ‘Submit’ to lock your Aadhaar card.

How to Prevent Misuse of Aadhaar Card Photocopy

To prevent the misuse of your Aadhaar card photocopy, follow these steps:

  1. Attest Your Aadhaar Photocopy: Provide your signature, the purpose for which the photocopy is being given, and the date and time.
  2. Use a Masked Aadhaar: In a masked Aadhaar, the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number are hidden. To download your masked Aadhaar:
  3. Visit the official myAadhaar portal and log in with your credentials.
  4. Click on ‘Download Aadhaar.’
  5. Select ‘Do you want a masked Aadhaar?’ and click ‘Download.’