The Aadhaar card has 12-digit numbers printed while in the masked Aadhaar, only the last 4 numbers are visible.
The Aadhar Card has become an essential document today. It serves as an identity proof in India. Cybercriminals often use Aadhaar cards for scams and fraud. The victim list of cyber scams ranges from common people to celebrities. Due to increased cases of such scams, the Indian government warns citizens against such frauds through advertisements and messages. To avoid such situations, the Indian government has also introduced the concept of the Masked Aadhar Card.
The masked Aadhaar card is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It is not only different from the normal Aadhaar but is also more secure. The Aadhaar card has 12-digit numbers printed while in the masked Aadhaar, only the last 4 numbers are visible. It is one of the striking differences between the Aadhaar and Masked Aadhaar Card.
The first 8 Aadhaar numbers of the Aadhaar card are written as ‘XXXX-XXXX’ in the masked Aadhaar card ID. Due to this, a fragment of the Aadhaar card number is visible to strangers which helps in preventing the chances of scams and frauds.
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The masked Aadhaar card is completely valid. It is issued by UIDAI and can be used in place of an Aadhaar card. UIDAI has also appealed to people several times to give masked Aadhaar cards instead of providing a photocopy of normal Aadhaar cards to prevent their misuse.
Masked Aadhaar Card: How To Download
Step 1: Visit the official website–https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/
Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Login option.
Step 3: Enter your Aadhaar number and captcha code
Step 4: An OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number.
Step 5: Select Download Aadhaar from the Services section.
Step 6: In the Review your Demographic Data section, select the option of masked Aadhaar.
Step 7: After review, download the masked Aadhaar Card.
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The masked Aadhaar will be downloaded in PDF format. A password will be required to open this Aadhaar card. The password is the first four letters of your name (in Aadhaar) in capital letters and your year of birth. Example: If the user’s name is Dipanshu and his date of birth is 1990, then his password will be DIPA1990.