Sometimes, you receive an OTP from Aadhaar without using it. If you want to know why you are getting Aadhaar OTP without request, get the complete knowledge here.
It is really very scary to receive OTP if you are not sharing it or using it anywhere. There are some situations why you receive it. Here we have shared some of the common reasons why this happens and what you should you do to prevent a fraud.
What Is an Aadhaar OTP?
First of all, we need to understand what is an Aadhaar OTP. OTP is a One-Time Password that gives access to any specific service or scheme. It is a unique code (usually of 6 to 4 digits) that Aadhaar sends to the registered and linked mobile number. Then you need to enter this unique code to verify your identity.
For example, when you log in to the Aadhaar website to update your details or to check the status of any seeding or DBT scheme you receive an OTP on your mobile phone. This OTP verifies that you are the owner of this aadhaar number and only you can access your Aadhaar information or services.
Now the question arises why are you receiving these aadhar verification OTPs if you are not signing up or logging in to any service! Below is the explanation for this:
Why Am I Getting an OTP When I Didn’t Request One?
There are some situations and several reasons why you receive these Aadhaar OTPs without asking for it, we have explained it in below pointers so that you can understand easily:
Check Here Who Is Using Your Aadhaar?
1. Someone Mistyped Their Number
One of the common possible reason is when any person tries to use their Aadhaar services and accidentally enters your mobile number instead of theirs. This happens by a typing mistake like sometimes you wrongly dial a number to a wrong person. After entering your number accidently this person requests an OTP, Aadhaar sends OTP to the entered number, thus you receive an OTP by mistake.
2. Someone Is Trying to Access Your Aadhaar
Due to increasing of online fraud cases, if anyone try to access your Aadhaar details without your permission. They can try to log in to your Aadhaar account using your Aadhaar number. Once they enter your Aadhaar number, UIDAI (the Aadhaar authority) sends an OTP to your registered mobile number to give the access to the portal after confirming it’s really you.
If you are receiving unnecessary OTP without using it, you should be aware that someone is trying to steal your data and use your Aadhaar details.
3. Accidental Clicks By Yourself
Sometimes, when you’re visiting the Aadhaar website you accidentally click on any link that requests an OTP, and you receive it without your consent. This can be done when you visit any aadhaar linked dbt website or your bank account’s app.
4. Service Providers Checking Your Aadhaar Details
Sometimes your LPG gas provider, banks, sim services, or other dbt scheme officials check your Aadhaar number to see if your Aadhaar is active or not and verify your details. In this situation you may receive an OTP for verification.
5. Technical Error
Aadhaar card official website UIDAI may face some technical errors and system can send you OTPs. In this situation you receive an OTP by mistake. Though, it is rare, but it can happen sometimes.
What To Do If I Get an Aadhaar OTP Without Requesting?
If you are receiving unwanted OTP for your aadhaar, you don’t need to worry about it rather be cautious. As in most cases, unexpected Aadhaar OTP isn’t dangerous. Here are some tips to stay alert in this situation and keep all the below precautions in your mind. Here’s what you can do if this happens:
1. Ignore the OTP
This is the simplest way prevent fraud to ignore if you are getting an OTP without your consent and you didn’t request. These OTPs are valid for a short period of time and becomes invalid and useless after a few minutes.
2. Do Not Share the OTP
I will suggest you to never share your Aadhaar OTP with anyone in any situation. If someone contacts you ask you to tell the OTP you just received they must be trying to access your Aadhaar details illegally. No one can legally ask you aadhaar OTP without your acknowledge, whether it’s your service provider or a bank employee.
3. Check Recent Activity
If you receive it again and again, you must check if someone is trying to access your Aadhaar. You can check your Aadhaar history on the official website of UIDAI. There you can see recent activities done with your Aadhaar number.
Visit the Aadhaar website, log in by entering your number, and check the history.
4. Secure Your Aadhaar Information
You should lock your Aadhaar biometrics to protect your information. This prevents anyone from using your fingerprints or iris scans to access Aadhaar-linked services, or bank account. If you need to use your biometrics in future, you can unlock it temporarily.
5. Report to UIDAI if Needed
If you keep receiving OTPs without requesting, you should report it to UIDAI. You can contact UIDAI’s help center by calling on a toll-free number (1947) or visiting an Aadhaar center and tell your case.
How to Protect Aadhaar Information
Today it is essential to keep Aadhaar information safe to prevent to fall into any fraud or digital crime. Following are some useful tips for it:
1. Do Not Share Your Aadhaar Number
Aadhaar number is usually connected to almost all services whether it is your bank account, official records, insurance, or any other service, so avoid sharing your aadhaar number when it is absolutely necessary. Otherwise use your other alternative forms of ID, like your PAN card or driving license. It is important to share your Aadhaar number to trusted places only.
2. Use Masked Aadhaar
You can download a “Masked Aadhaar” from the official website of UIDAI. It hides some of the part of your Aadhaar number, and makes it safer to share. In the masked aadhaar card only the last four digits are visible and the rest stay hidden.
3. Be Aware with Fake Emails and Messages
Sometimes, fraudsters send fake messages, emails, or even phone calls and ask to share Aadhaar details. They can say that they are your bank’s staff and doing your KYC or can tell you any other reason to get your correct aadhar number. After that they will ask you to share OTPs, passwords, or other details. Never entertain these and be careful to ignore suspicious messages.
4. Update Your Mobile Number with Aadhaar
Always keep your current mobile number registered with Aadhaar and keep it active to receive any OTPs sent. This will help you be secured. If you have changed your number for any reason, update it with your aadhaar as soon as possible.
FAQs
Q: I got OTP without request what should i do?
A: If you received an OTP without your acknowledge then you must check the history of your aadhaar usage at uidai portal and never share the OTP to anyone to stay protected and safe.
Final Verdict
Receiving an Aadhaar OTP without asking is an alarm for a fraud and may push you to danger, but it’s usually harmless as we have explained above. Most of the time, it’s done by mistake or a background check by a service provider. However, you should stay cautious and follow the steps to protect your Aadhaar information. Keep it strictly in mind to never share your OTP, and reach out to UIDAI if you need help to keep you safe and secured.
