It becomes very scary when you know that your Aadhar is being used by someone. Here we have shared how can you check who is using your Aadhaar number, if you are in such a situation.
Aadhaar card is a very important ID in India. It has all our personal information like our name, address, and is usually linked with our bank accounts and other such services.
Sometimes, you can see that someone else is using your Aadhaar without your permission. It becomes necessary to check the unwanted activity done with your aadhaar number to be yourself safe. We have explained below how you can check who is using your Aadhaar, and some useful tips to keep it secure.
How to Check Who’s Using Your Aadhaar
If you want to know this then you need the following steps at aadhaar card’s official website UIDAI. It provides an easy way to check your Aadhaar usage history by using this feature you can easily see where and when your Aadhaar was used. Follow the steps below to check it out:
Step 1: Go to the UIDAI Website
- First of all, you need to open connect your device with internet connection.
- Now go to the official UIDAI website.
Step 2: Go to the Aadhaar Authentication History Page
- On the homepage of UIDAI website, look for the “My Aadhaar” option.
- Click on that and select “Aadhaar Authentication History” from the drop-down menu.
- Here you can see recent activity done using your Aadhaar.
Step 3: Enter Your Aadhaar Number
- Now enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number in the blank space correctly.
- Then, type the “Captcha code” shown on the screen.
Step 4: Request OTP
- After entering the above details, click on “Send OTP.
- An OTP will be sent to your aadhaar registered mobile number.
- Only your registered mobile number will receive the OTP so type your number correctly.
Step 5: Enter the OTP and View History
- Verify the OTP by typing the code you received in the blank box.
- And click on “Submit”.
- Now, your Aadhaar Authentication History will open in front of you and you can easily check where and when your aadhaar number was used.
What Information Will You See in Aadhaar Authentication History?
After opening the entire history on your screen you can check the following (keep remember that only 50 entries will be displayed at a time or last six months data, what so ever is applicable):
- Date and Time: You can see here the exact date and time when each activity was done with your aadhaar number.
- Authentication Type: You can also check what authentication was used, like biometric, OTP, or something else for verification.
- Authentication User Agency Name: You can see easily that which agency or company had used your Aadhaar whether it is your bank, a telecom company, any government department, or another service provider.
- Authentication Response: You can also check if the authentication was successful or not.
By following the steps you can see where, when, and how your Aadhaar was used.
What to Do If You See Anyone’s Using Your Aadhar
After checking the above history, if you see any activity that you neither done nor authorized, you can do the following:
1. Contact UIDAI Support
In this situation you can call UIDAI’s helpline to get support at 1947 and report the problem. The team will guide you for the next steps you should take. You can also email them at help@uidai.gov.in.
2. Report to the Agency
If you find any agency using your Aadhaar without consent, you should immediately contact them. For example, if a telecom company has used your Aadhaar,you should call their customer care and report your problem.
3. File a Complaint Online
If you see any misuse of your Aadhaar. You should go to the “Grievance Center” on UIDAI’s website to file your complaint, fill your details, and submit.
4. Lock Your Aadhaar
The safest way to prevent future misuse, you should lock your Aadhaar biometrics. Locking will prevent anyone, including you, to use your fingerprints or iris scans. You can unlock it whenever you need it again.
How to Lock Your Aadhaar Biometrics
If you don’t know the aadhar locking process, below is a guide how to lock your Aadhaar biometrics for extra safety:
- Firstly, go to the UIDAI website.
- Click on “Lock/Unlock Biometrics” under the “My Aadhaar” option.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and fill the captcha, then request an OTP.
- After entering the OTP, choose the option to lock biometrics.
After following the above steps as we have explained, no one can use your biometric data without unlocking it.
Tips to Keep Your Aadhaar Safe
- Always keep it in mind, don’t share Your Aadhaar Number at every place: Only share your Aadhaar when it’s necessary. Use your other IDs like your PAN card or driving license.
- Use Masked Aadhaar: As we have mentioned above to use Masked Aadhaar because it only shows the last four digits of your Aadhaar number and hiding the rest.
- Check your Aadhaar Authentication History after every few months. To know if anything unusual happens.
- If you receive an OTP without requesting it, don’t share it with anyone. As someone must be trying to access your Aadhaar without your permission.
- Update your current mobile number and email if you have changed the registered one with Aadhaar to receive alerts like OTP.
FAQs
Q: Why Should You Check Aadhaar Usage?
Sometimes, people can try to use your Aadhaar without your permission. They can use it to open a bank account, buy a SIM card, or even applying for a loan. If someone does this without your permission, it will lead trouble for you. So it’s important to check how your Aadhaar is being used and keep it safe.
Final Thoughts
Aadhaar is an important and sensitive document, so it’s essential to keep it safe. Check the usage history by following the guide above to know who is using it without your permission. For any unusual activity, complaint at UIDAI support and ask help and guidance.
By following these tips you can protect yourself from unauthorized use of your aadhar and keep your identity safe.
