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Aadhaar Security: Aadhaar has become one of India's most important identity documents, linking residents to a unique 12-digit identification number along with biometric information such as fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs. As digital services continue to expand, concerns about Aadhaar-related fraud have also grown. One common question many people ask is whether someone can withdraw money from their bank account using only their Aadhaar number. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has clarified the issue and explained what users should know.

Can Someone Withdraw Money Using Only Your Aadhaar Number?

According to UIDAI, the answer is no.

Simply knowing your 12-digit Aadhaar number or the details of the bank account linked to Aadhaar is not enough for anyone to withdraw money from your account.

Just as traditional banking transactions require authentication through methods such as:

• Debit card and PIN

• Signature

• One-Time Password (OTP)

Aadhaar-linked banking transactions also require additional authentication, such as:

• Fingerprint verification

• Iris scan

• OTP sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number (for applicable services)

Without these authentication methods, transactions cannot normally be completed.

UIDAI's Clarification

UIDAI has stated that there has been no confirmed case where merely leaking an Aadhaar number resulted in financial loss for an Aadhaar holder.

The authority advises users not to panic if someone knows their Aadhaar number but encourages everyone to remain alert against identity theft and biometric fraud.

What Is an AePS Scam?

While the Aadhaar number alone cannot be used to withdraw money, fraud can occur through the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) if criminals obtain both your Aadhaar number and your biometric data.

AePS is a banking service designed to allow customers to perform banking transactions using Aadhaar authentication, particularly in areas where debit cards or ATMs may not be easily accessible.

How Does an AePS Fraud Work?

Fraudsters generally follow three stages:

1. Stealing Biometric Data

Scammers attempt to obtain fingerprint information through illegal means.

In some reported cases, fingerprints have allegedly been copied from documents used during property or land registration or other situations where biometric data is collected.

2. Misusing AePS

Using the stolen fingerprint along with the Aadhaar number, fraudsters may attempt to authenticate transactions through:

• Micro ATMs.

• Banking Correspondents (BCs).

• AePS-enabled banking devices.

If the biometric verification succeeds, the system may treat the transaction as legitimate.

3. Unauthorized Withdrawal

Once authentication is successful, money may be withdrawn from the linked bank account.

In certain AePS transactions, OTP authentication may not be required, making biometric security especially important.

How to Protect Your Aadhaar and Bank Account

Experts recommend following these safety measures:

Never Share Sensitive Banking Information

Do not disclose:

• OTPs.

• Debit or credit card PINs.

• CVV numbers.

Neither UIDAI nor banks ask for these details over phone calls, messages, or emails.

Monitor Bank Alerts

Enable SMS and email alerts for your bank account.

If you notice an unfamiliar transaction:

• Contact your bank immediately.

• Report the incident without delay.

Quick reporting can help reduce potential financial losses.

Be Careful While Sharing Aadhaar Copies

Only provide Aadhaar copies when absolutely necessary.

Where possible:

• Mask part of your Aadhaar number.

• Ask whether a masked Aadhaar is acceptable.

• Avoid sharing unnecessary photocopies.

Lock Your Aadhaar Biometrics

UIDAI offers a Biometric Lock feature that prevents unauthorized use of your fingerprints and iris data.

Once locked:

• No one can authenticate using your biometrics without first unlocking them.

• You can unlock the biometrics temporarily whenever required.

This provides an additional layer of protection against biometric misuse.

How to Lock Aadhaar Biometrics Online

You can lock your biometric information by following these steps:

1. Visit the UIDAI website.

2. Navigate to My Aadhaar > Aadhaar Services > Lock/Unlock Aadhaar.

3. Alternatively, use the mAadhaar mobile app.

4. Enter your Aadhaar number and the security captcha.

5. Verify using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.

6. Select Enable to activate biometric locking.

You can unlock the biometrics later whenever authentication is required.

Bottom Line

According to UIDAI, your Aadhaar number alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your bank account. However, fraudsters may misuse the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) if they obtain both your Aadhaar number and your biometric information. Locking your Aadhaar biometrics, monitoring bank alerts, avoiding unnecessary sharing of Aadhaar copies, and never revealing OTPs or PINs can significantly reduce the risk of fraud.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Banking and Aadhaar-related security procedures may change over time. For the latest guidance, refer to official UIDAI notifications and contact your bank immediately if you suspect unauthorized activity in your account.

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