{"id":950,"date":"2025-08-05T16:10:03","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T10:40:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/?p=950"},"modified":"2025-08-05T16:10:03","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T10:40:03","slug":"aeps-fraud-protection-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/aeps-fraud-protection-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"AEPS Fraud Protection Guide: How to Keep Aadhaar Biometrics Safe and Locked from UIDAI"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (<a href=\"https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/wealth\/save\/aadhaar-frauds-rbi-ready-with-masterplan-to-curb-aadhaar-enabled-payment-system-aeps-scams\/articleshow\/107554577.cms?from=mdr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AEPS<\/a>) fraud is a growing concern in India, with cybercriminals exploiting biometric data for unauthorized transactions.<\/strong> As (AEPS Fraud Protection Guide) digital payments become more common, securing your Aadhaar-linked biometrics is crucial. This guide explains how to <strong>lock and protect your Aadhaar biometrics<\/strong>\u00a0from misuse, ensuring your financial and personal data remains secure.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Understanding AEPS and Aadhaar Biometric Fraud<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">The\u00a0<strong>Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AEPS)<\/strong>\u00a0allows users to make transactions using their\u00a0<strong>Aadhaar number and biometric authentication<\/strong>\u00a0(fingerprint\/iris scan). While convenient, this system is vulnerable to fraud, where criminals:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Use stolen biometric data to withdraw money.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Clone fingerprints to authorize unauthorized transactions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Trick users into sharing OTPs or Aadhaar details.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">According to the\u00a0<strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI)<\/strong>, AEPS fraud cases have surged, with victims losing lakhs due to biometric breaches.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_952\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-952\" style=\"width: 1536px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-952\" src=\"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250805_1604_Secure-Aadhaar-Biometrics_simple_compose_01k1wwns20fygr31d0bb8472a4-min.png\" alt=\"AEPS Fraud Protection Guide\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250805_1604_Secure-Aadhaar-Biometrics_simple_compose_01k1wwns20fygr31d0bb8472a4-min.png 1536w, https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250805_1604_Secure-Aadhaar-Biometrics_simple_compose_01k1wwns20fygr31d0bb8472a4-min-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250805_1604_Secure-Aadhaar-Biometrics_simple_compose_01k1wwns20fygr31d0bb8472a4-min-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250805_1604_Secure-Aadhaar-Biometrics_simple_compose_01k1wwns20fygr31d0bb8472a4-min-150x100.png 150w, https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250805_1604_Secure-Aadhaar-Biometrics_simple_compose_01k1wwns20fygr31d0bb8472a4-min-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-952\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">AEPS Fraud Protection Guide<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>How to Lock Aadhaar Biometrics to Prevent AEPS Fraud<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">The\u00a0<strong>Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)<\/strong>\u00a0provides a\u00a0<strong>biometric locking feature<\/strong>\u00a0to block unauthorized access. Here\u2019s how to use it:<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 1: Lock Your Biometrics via UIDAI Website<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ol start=\"1\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Visit\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/uidai.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">UIDAI\u2019s official website<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Go to\u00a0<strong>&#8220;My Aadhaar&#8221; &gt; &#8220;Aadhaar Services&#8221; &gt; &#8220;Lock\/Unlock Biometrics.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Enter your\u00a0<strong>Aadhaar number<\/strong>\u00a0and the\u00a0<strong>security code<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">An\u00a0<strong>OTP<\/strong>\u00a0will be sent to your registered mobile number.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Enter the OTP and click\u00a0<strong>&#8220;Enable Biometric Lock.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Once locked, no one can use your fingerprints or iris scan for authentication.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 2: Temporarily Unlock Biometrics When Needed<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">If you need to use AEPS:<\/p>\n<ol start=\"1\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Visit the same UIDAI portal.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Select\u00a0<strong>&#8220;Unlock Biometrics.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Authenticate with OTP.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Your biometrics will be unlocked for\u00a0<strong>10 minutes<\/strong>, after which they auto-lock again.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<figure id=\"attachment_953\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-953\" style=\"width: 1536px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-953\" src=\"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250805_1604_Secure-Aadhaar-Biometrics_simple_compose_01k1wwns21ea48tjnxd8xsskqj-min.png\" alt=\"AEPS Fraud Protection Guide\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250805_1604_Secure-Aadhaar-Biometrics_simple_compose_01k1wwns21ea48tjnxd8xsskqj-min.png 1536w, https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250805_1604_Secure-Aadhaar-Biometrics_simple_compose_01k1wwns21ea48tjnxd8xsskqj-min-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250805_1604_Secure-Aadhaar-Biometrics_simple_compose_01k1wwns21ea48tjnxd8xsskqj-min-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250805_1604_Secure-Aadhaar-Biometrics_simple_compose_01k1wwns21ea48tjnxd8xsskqj-min-150x100.png 150w, https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/20250805_1604_Secure-Aadhaar-Biometrics_simple_compose_01k1wwns21ea48tjnxd8xsskqj-min-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-953\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">AEPS Fraud Protection Guide<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Additional Ways to Protect Your Aadhaar from AEPS Fraud<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>1. Never Share Aadhaar OTP or Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Scammers impersonate bank officials or UIDAI representatives.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>UIDAI never asks for OTPs or biometrics over calls.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>2. Regularly Check Aadhaar Authentication History<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Visit\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/uidai.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">UIDAI\u2019s authentication history page<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Review all biometric and OTP-based transactions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Report suspicious activity immediately.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>3. Use Virtual ID (VID) Instead of Aadhaar Number<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">A\u00a0<strong>16-digit Virtual ID<\/strong>\u00a0masks your Aadhaar number.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Generate it via the\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/uidai.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">UIDAI portal<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0<strong>mAadhaar app<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication for Bank Accounts<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Link your mobile number for SMS alerts on AEPS transactions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Use\u00a0<strong>UPI PINs<\/strong>\u00a0for added security.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Real-Life Cases of AEPS Fraud<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Case 1 (2023, Maharashtra):<\/strong>\u00a0A gang cloned fingerprints from Aadhaar enrollment centers and siphoned \u20b92.5 crore from victims\u2019 accounts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Case 2 (2022, Delhi):<\/strong>\u00a0Fraudsters tricked users into revealing Aadhaar-linked OTPs, draining \u20b950 lakh via AEPS.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>What to Do If You\u2019re a Victim of AEPS Fraud?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ol start=\"1\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Immediately lock biometrics<\/strong>\u00a0via UIDAI.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Contact your bank<\/strong>\u00a0to freeze suspicious transactions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>File an FIR<\/strong>\u00a0at the nearest cybercrime police station.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Report to UIDAI<\/strong>\u00a0at\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/tel:1947\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">1947<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/mailto:help@uidai.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">help@uidai.gov.in<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>1. Can someone withdraw money using my Aadhaar biometrics?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Yes, if your biometrics are\u00a0<strong>unlocked<\/strong>, fraudsters can misuse them for AEPS transactions. Always keep them\u00a0<strong>locked<\/strong>\u00a0when not in use.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>2. How do I know if my Aadhaar biometrics are locked?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Check on the\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/uidai.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">UIDAI portal<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0under\u00a0<strong>&#8220;Lock\/Unlock Biometrics.&#8221;<\/strong>\u00a0If enabled, they are secure.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>3. Is locking Aadhaar biometrics permanent?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">No, you can\u00a0<strong>temporarily unlock<\/strong>\u00a0them for 10 minutes when needed.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>4. What\u2019s the difference between Aadhaar locking and biometric locking?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Aadhaar locking<\/strong>\u00a0blocks all authentication requests.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Biometric locking<\/strong>\u00a0only blocks fingerprint\/iris scans but allows OTP-based verification.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Conclusion: Stay Vigilant Against AEPS Fraud<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">With rising biometric fraud cases,\u00a0<strong>locking your Aadhaar biometrics<\/strong>\u00a0is the best defense against unauthorized AEPS transactions. Follow UIDAI\u2019s security measures, monitor authentication logs, and never share OTPs.\u00a0<strong>Stay safe, stay secure!<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Disclaimer<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">This article is for\u00a0<strong>educational purposes only<\/strong>. If you have any concerns regarding this content, please visit our\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/precautions\/\">DMCA<\/a> page<\/strong>\u00a0for removal requests. Always verify ownership and security practices with\u00a0<strong>official UIDAI sources<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AEPS) fraud is a growing concern in India, with cybercriminals exploiting biometric data for unauthorized transactions. As [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":953,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[228],"tags":[543,542,546,544,545,547],"class_list":["post-950","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aeps","tag-aeps-cash-withdrawal-fraud","tag-aeps-fraud-complaint","tag-bob-aeps-suspected-fraud","tag-common-method-used-in-aeps-fraud","tag-suspected-fraud-aeps-meaning-in-hindi","tag-suspected-fraud-in-aeps"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/950","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=950"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/950\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":954,"href":"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/950\/revisions\/954"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/953"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=950"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=950"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aepsseva.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=950"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}