It is important to keep your masked Aadhaar document secure and not share it with unauthorised individuals.
Masked Aadhaar: Instances of Aadhaar-based fraud have witnessed a rise in recent years. Typically, these fraudulent activities revolve around criminals utilising stolen Aadhaar numbers to gain financial advantages or access services. Cybercriminals have developed an advanced approach that evades conventional security measures, including OTPs, CVV numbers, and even bank details.
Recently, several reports surfaced where cybercriminals were found taking advantage of the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS), engaging in scams that involve duplicating individuals’ Aadhaar-linked biometrics using silicon fingerprints and unauthorised biometric devices. They then proceed to syphon funds from the victims’ bank accounts.
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Amid these circumstances, several financial institutions advised Aadhaar holders to secure their identity by adopting security measures, like locking biometrics and producing masked Aadhaar whenever possible.
Masked Aadhaar
Masked Aadhaar is a feature introduced by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to enhance privacy and restrict the exposure of Aadhaar information. In a masked Aadhaar, certain digits of the Aadhaar number are masked or hidden, while important demographic details such as name, photograph, and the QR code remain visible.
The different forms of Aadhaar are Aadhaar Letter, Aadhaar PVC card, eAadhaar, masked Aadhaar and mAadhaar. All forms of Aadhaar are equally valid and acceptable.
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In other words, a masked Aadhaar is a version of your Aadhaar card that has the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number replaced with ‘X’. This is done to protect your privacy and prevent your Aadhaar number from being misused.
Here are some of the benefits of using a masked Aadhaar:
- It protects your privacy
- It prevents your Aadhaar number from being misused
- It is accepted by most organisations
If you need to share your Aadhaar number with someone, you can share the masked Aadhaar instead of your full Aadhaar number. This will help to protect your privacy.
Your masked Aadhaar will be downloaded in PDF format. You can print this card and use it for any purpose where you need to provide your Aadhaar number.
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How to download masked Aadhaar?
To get a masked Aadhaar, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of UIDAI at https://uidai.gov.in/.
- Under the “My Aadhaar” section, click on “Download Aadhaar.”
- You will be redirected to the Aadhaar download page.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or 16-digit Virtual ID (VID), along with other required details such as your full name, pin code, and security code.
- Select the “Masked Aadhaar” option in the “Select your preference” section.
- Choose the option to receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP received and complete the verification process.
- You will then be able to download the masked Aadhaar in PDF format, which will be password protected.
It is important to keep your masked Aadhaar document secure and not share it with unauthorised individuals.
