The Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) has revolutionized financial transactions in India, making it easier for individuals to access their bank accounts and carry out transactions using their Aadhaar biometrics. However, as with any technological advancement, unscrupulous individuals have found ways to exploit this system for fraudulent activities. This article will delve into how AePS fraud works and explore steps to safeguard your Aadhaar biometrics by locking them.
AePS Fraud: Exploiting Aadhaar Biometrics
In digital transactions and identity authentication, criminals have devised an ingenious method to commit fraud by exploiting the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System. AePS fraud involves the illicit use of an individual’s Aadhaar biometrics data to siphon funds from their bank account. Here’s how this fraudulent scheme unfolds:
- Unauthorized Access to Biometrics: The perpetrators obtain unauthorized access to a victim’s Aadhaar biometric data, which includes fingerprints, iris scans, and facial recognition information. This could be through various means, such as data breaches, identity theft, or even corrupt insiders with access to Aadhaar databases.
- Locking Victims Out: Once they have access to the victim’s biometrics, the fraudsters proceed to lock the victim out of their own Aadhaar biometrics by changing the settings and authentication methods.
- Siphoning Funds: With the victim’s biometrics locked, the criminals use the compromised data to perform transactions on the victim’s behalf. They initiate transfers, make payments, and withdraw funds from the victim’s bank account, all while bypassing any security measures in place.
Locking Your Aadhaar Biometrics – A Protective Measure
To counteract the threat of AePS fraud and safeguard your Aadhaar biometrics, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) offers a biometric locking service. This service empowers Aadhaar holders to temporarily lock and unlock their biometrics, enhancing the privacy and confidentiality of their biometric data.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to lock your Aadhaar biometrics:
Via UIDAI Website:
- Visit the UIDAI website or go directly to the link: https://resident.uidai.gov.in/bio-lock.
- Click on the ‘My Aadhaar’ tab and, under ‘Aadhaar services,’ select ‘Aadhaar lock/unlock.’
- Enter your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID (VID).
- Complete the captcha and request an 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.
Following these steps will lock your biometrics information, rendering it inaccessible for any form of Aadhaar authentication.
Via mAadhaar App:
- Download the mAadhaar app.
- Register your Aadhaar number within the app.
- Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number and set a four-digit PIN.
- Access your Aadhaar profile.
- Tap the three dots in the top corner of the screen and scroll down.
- Choose ‘lock biometrics’ and enter your four-digit PIN.
Locked Biometrics: What You Need to Know
Once you have successfully locked your biometrics, it’s essential to understand what this means:
- Authentication Limitation: Locked biometrics prevent the use of fingerprints, iris scans, and facial recognition for Aadhaar authentication. This feature serves as a protective measure against unauthorized access.
- Unauthorized Access Prevention: Locking your biometrics ensures that no entity can perform biometric-based Aadhaar authentication on your behalf, safeguarding your privacy and financial security.
- Who Should Lock Biometrics: Aadhaar holders with a registered mobile number are encouraged to lock their biometrics to fortify the confidentiality of their biometric data.
In case anyone attempts to use your UID for authentication using biometrics, they will encounter the error code ‘330,’ indicating that the biometrics are locked. This error prevents any unauthorized access to your Aadhaar account.
Conclusion
As the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System continues to shape how Indians access financial services, it’s crucial to remain vigilant against potential fraud. AePS fraud, which involves the illicit use of Aadhaar biometrics, poses a significant threat. Locking your biometrics can fortify your privacy and protect yourself from fraudulent activities. Take advantage of the biometric locking service offered by UIDAI to ensure that your Aadhaar remains a secure gateway to your financial world.
