Safeguard your identity and prevent Aadhaar Card Fraud

Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric system, allows Indians to voluntarily obtain a unique 12-digit identity on the basis of biometrics and demographic information. 

Aadhaar offers easy authentication to open a bank account, get a passport, avail subsidies, apply for government schemes, etc. Aadhaar is also linked to mobile numbers and is an accepted form of identification by financial institutions for retail investors.

One of the most effective features of Aadhaar is OTP verification that allows individuals to easily authenticate themselves from any location.

In today’s day and age when cybercrime is rampant, processes that are meant to offer ease, inadvertently expose the data of individuals who do not have the right information to protect their identity.

In this blog, we will demonstrate in detail how scamsters exploit the linkage between Aadhaar numbers and bank accounts to siphon off money or perform unauthorized transactions.

Common UPI fraud tactics involving Aadhaar

1. Phishing attacks: Phishing is a fraudulent method where scammers pretend to be officials from a bank or payments app to convince innocents to reveal personal information. In case of Aadhaar-linked scams, fraudsters send messages or emails asking users to update their Aadhaar details or UPI PIN. In such cases, the communication carries a fake link that are built to capture sensitive information.
2. Vishing calls: Vishing is another fraudulent practice, similar to phishing, wherein fraudsters call individuals claiming to be from a bank or UIDAI, asking for Aadhaar numbers, UPI PINs, or OTPs under the pretext of account verification or problem resolution.
3. SIM swap fraud: Scammers obtain a duplicate SIM card of the victim’s phone number, intercept OTPs sent for UPI transactions, and gain access to linked bank accounts.
4. Fake apps and websites: Fraudsters create counterfeit apps or websites mimicking legitimate UPI payment services to capture Aadhaar and banking details.

How to protect yourself from Aadhaar Fraud

1. Do not share personal information: Never share your Aadhaar number, UPI PIN, OTP, or bank details with anyone over the phone, email, or SMS.
2. Verify authenticity: Always verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from your bank or a payment service provider. Visit official websites or contact customer service directly.
3. Secure your mobile number: Ensure your mobile number linked to your Aadhaar and bank accounts is secure. Be cautious of SIM swap requests and report lost SIM cards immediately.
4. Use trusted apps: Only use official and trusted UPI apps from verified sources like Indus Appstore, Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
5. Monitor transactions: Regularly check your bank statements and UPI transaction history for any unauthorized activities. Report any suspicious transactions immediately.
6. Enable alerts: Set up transaction alerts via SMS or email to stay informed about any activity in your bank account.

How to report Aadhaar-Linked UPI scams

If you suspect any fraudulent activity related to Aadhaar and UPI payments:

1. Contact your bank: Inform your bank immediately to freeze your account and prevent further unauthorized transactions.
2. Report to UIDAI: Inform the UIDAI about any misuse of your Aadhaar number. You can reach out to them through their official website or helpline.
3. File a complaint: Report the scam to the local police and cybercrime authorities. You can also lodge a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

How to raise an issue on PhonePe if you are a victim of Aadhaar card fraud

In case you have been duped by a fraudster via PhonePe, you can immediately raise the issue in the following ways:

1. PhonePe app: Go to the Help section and raise an issue under “have an issue with the transaction” option.
2. PhonePe Customer Care Number: You can call PhonePe customer care on 80–68727374 / 022–68727374 to raise an issue, post which the customer care agent will raise a ticket and help with your issue.
3. Webform submission: You can also raise a ticket using PhonePe’s webform, https://support.phonepe.com/
4. Social media: You can report fraudulent incidents via PhonePe’s social media handles

• Twitter — https://twitter.com/PhonePeSupport
• Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/OfficialPhonePe

5. Grievance: To report a grievance on an existing complaint, you can login to https://grievance.phonepe.com/ and share the ticket ID previously raised.
6. Cyber cell: Lastly, you can report fraud complaints at the nearest Cyber Crime cell or register a complaint online at https://www.cybercrime.gov.in/ or contact the Cyber Crime Cell helpline at 1930.