Protect Your Money

Protect Your Money: A Step-by-Step Guide to Locking Aadhaar Biometrics

Aadhaar cardholders now have the option to enhance their security and safeguard their savings accounts by locking their biometric data. With reported cases of Aadhaar data misuse leading to illicit money extraction, it's crucial to take steps to protect your financial assets. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of securing your Aadhaar biometrics.

Aadhaar and Financial Risks

Aadhaar Enabled Payment Systems (AEPS) have provided a convenient way for individuals to access Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, simplifying tasks like fund withdrawals and balance inquiries. However, this convenience has also attracted illicit activities involving stolen Aadhaar information. For instance, a woman in Karnataka fell victim to scammers who exploited her biometric data, resulting in a loss of ₹20,000.

While AEPS is a user-friendly method, even if you don't use it, there's a risk that malicious individuals may exploit your data to compromise your accounts. Therefore, staying vigilant and implementing precautionary measures is essential to protect yourself against fraudulent activities.

Securing Your Aadhaar Biometrics

The Aadhaar Biometric Lock is a critical security feature that empowers Aadhaar cardholders to safeguard their biometric data, including fingerprints, iris scans, and facial recognition information. This lock prevents unauthorized access to your bank accounts, which is especially significant in India, where AEPS is widely used for ATM cash withdrawals and point-of-sale (POS) transactions, exclusively relying on Aadhaar biometrics.

To activate the Aadhaar biometric lock, you can choose between accessing the UIDAI website or using the mAadhaar app. Once locked, your biometrics cannot be used for Aadhaar authentication unless you choose to unlock them, a process that can be initiated through the same methods.

Here are the steps to secure your Aadhaar biometrics:

1. Visit the UIDAI website or install the mAadhaar app.

2. Log in to your Aadhaar account by providing your Aadhaar number and OTP.

3. Navigate to the "Lock/Unlock Biometrics" option in the "My Aadhaar" section.

4. Re-enter your Aadhaar number and OTP for verification.

5. Click on "Lock Biometrics."

6. You will receive a confirmation message to confirm the biometric lock.

With these steps, your Aadhaar biometrics are now securely locked. If you need to unlock them at any point, simply follow the same process and select "Unlock Biometrics" instead.

Why Secure Aadhaar Biometrics  ?

Securing your Aadhaar biometrics does not hinder your ability to use Aadhaar for various purposes, including identity verification. You can still employ your Aadhaar number and OTP when necessary. Here are several advantages of securing your Aadhaar biometrics:

- It safeguards your finances from potential AEPS scams.

- It shields your identity from fraudulent activities.

- It provides assurance that your biometric data is safe and well-protected.

Recommendations to Safeguard Yourself

To protect yourself from AEPS scams, consider these recommendations:

1. Exercise caution when withdrawing cash, using ATMs, and POS devices only from reputable banks and financial institutions.

2. Avoid disclosing your Aadhaar card or Aadhaar number to individuals you don't trust completely.

3. Keep your Aadhaar biometrics locked unless there's a specific need to use them.

4. Stay informed about the latest AEPS scams and learn how to avoid them.

By following these guidelines, you actively participate in shielding both your finances and identity from potential fraud.