Protecting Your Aadhaar: How To Safeguard Yourself And Your Money Against AEPS Scams

In recent times, a concerning rise in Aadhaar card-related fraud has gripped India. Scammers are cunningly exploiting vulnerabilities within the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) to siphon funds from unsuspecting victims. What makes this scam particularly alarming is that it doesn't rely on traditional SMS or OTP authentication methods, making it even harder to detect and prevent.

Authorities Take Action

According to a report in Business Standard, the Bengaluru Police commissioner, in a recent alert, issued a warning about this new scam on various platforms, including Twitter. Individuals were advised to secure their Aadhaar biometrics to shield themselves from potential fraud. The State Bank of India, one of the country's largest financial institutions, also took a proactive stance by urging its customers to lock their biometrics using the m-Aadhaar app or the UIDAI portal to prevent unauthorized access.

Understanding the Misuse of Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS)

The Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) is a financial service that permits bank customers to use their Aadhaar credentials as identification to access their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. This system enables basic banking transactions such as checking balances, cash withdrawals, and remittances through authorized business correspondents.

Scam Unveiled

Recent revelations by the Kolkata Police uncovered instances where fraudsters had been pilfering data, including thumbprints, from land registries available on the West Bengal Government's land records website. Startlingly, two individuals were apprehended in connection with fraudulent transactions utilizing the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS).

According to a report in the Indian Express quoting a senior officer of the Kolkata Police, "These accused developed fake fingerprints that were used to withdraw money from the complainant's bank account. Primarily. It has been found that the electronic data are gathered from different public domains/websites,"

Biometric Data Protection

In response to the rising threat, Kolkata Police requested the state Finance Department to conceal biometric data, including fingerprints and Aadhaar card numbers, extracted from property deeds or any documents uploaded to the state government's property registration website (http://www.wbregistration.gov.in).

Lock Your Aadhaar Biometrics for Security

Recognizing the need for enhanced security, both the State Bank of India and the Cybercrime Division of CID Karnataka have urged Aadhaar holders to lock their biometrics. This feature is readily available via the UIDAI's m-Aadhaar app and website. It is designed to bolster the privacy and confidentiality of residents' biometric data.

To lock your Aadhaar biometrics online, follow these simple steps:

Via UIDAI Website:

• Visit the UIDAI website - (www.myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in).
• Click on the 'My Aadhaar' tab and select 'Aadhaar lock/unlock' under 'Aadhaar services.'
• Enter your Aadhaar number or VID, complete the Captcha, and click 'Send OTP.'
• Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
• Click the 'Enable' button after entering the four-digit security code displayed on the screen.

Using mAadhaar App:

• Download the mAadhaar App.
• Register your Aadhaar number.
• Enter the OTP received and set a four-digit PIN.
• Access your Aadhaar Profile.
• Click on the three dots in the top corner and scroll down.
• Select 'lock biometrics' and enter your four-digit PIN.

Unlocking Aadhaar Biometrics

To unlock your Aadhaar biometrics, you'll need the latest 16-digit Virtual ID (VID). If you forget your VID, you can retrieve it via SMS. Send "RVID " to 1947. For example, you can text "RVID 1234."

Once you have your VID, you can unlock your UID via the UIDAI website. Choose the "Unlock" option, enter your latest VID and security code, and click "Send OTP" or choose "TOTP" and click "Submit." Your UID will be successfully unlocked. Alternatively, you can use the Aadhaar lock/unlock service through the mAadhaar app.

Protecting your Aadhaar biometrics is vital in the face of growing security threats. By following these steps, you can take a proactive stance in safeguarding your financial information and personal data.

(With inputs from media reports)