The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued a strict advisory as of January 2026 to combat a surge in identity theft and bank fraud. Misusing or carelessly sharing your Aadhaar details can lead to unauthorized bank withdrawals, fake SIM card registrations, and identity spoofing.
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The government emphasizes that while Aadhaar is a robust identifier, the human errors in sharing its details are what fraudsters exploit.
1. Top 5 Mistakes That Risk Your Bank Account
| Mistake | Why It’s Dangerous | The Better Way |
| Sharing Full Photocopies | Can be reused to open fake accounts or get SIMs without your knowledge. | Use Masked Aadhaar (only last 4 digits visible). |
| Trusting “UIDAI” Calls/OTPs | Fraudsters pretend to be officials to “update” your Aadhaar and steal your OTP. | UIDAI never asks for Aadhaar numbers or OTPs over calls. |
| Using Public Cyber Cafes | Leftover digital copies on public PCs can be easily stolen by hackers. | Delete the file from the “Downloads” folder and empty the Recycle Bin. |
| Ignoring Biometric Locking | Scammers can use cloned fingerprints (AePS) to withdraw cash from your bank. | Lock your Biometrics via the mAadhaar app or UIDAI portal. |
| Clicking WhatsApp Links | Fake links promise “Free Updates” but actually phish for your sensitive data. | Only use uidai.gov.in or the official mAadhaar app. |
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2. Your “Aadhaar Security Toolkit”
The Power of Masked Aadhaar
A Masked Aadhaar hides the first 8 digits (e.g., XXXX-XXXX-1234). It is a legally valid ID for hotel check-ins, airport entry, and most KYC needs.
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How to get it: Visit the myAadhaar portal, select “Download Aadhaar,” and check the box that says “Do you want a masked Aadhaar?”
Biometric Lock/Unlock
This is the ultimate defense against financial fraud. Once locked, no one (including you) can use your fingerprints or iris for authentication.
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To Lock: Open mAadhaar app > My Aadhaar > Biometrics Lock.
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To Use: You can temporarily unlock it for 10 minutes when you need to use it at a bank or office; it will auto-lock afterward.
3. Fact Check: Can Someone Empty Your Bank Account with Just Your Aadhaar Number?
No. UIDAI clarifies that knowing an Aadhaar number alone is like knowing a bank account number; a fraudster still needs a second factor (like your OTP or Biometrics) to move money.The danger arises when you share that second factor during a “fake” verification call….
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