Verify Aadhaar using app, online channels: UIDAI tells users as scams rise

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) warned users to be alert while sharing their Aadhaar online through emails or instant messaging apps so as not to fall for Aadhaar-related scams on social media.

“#BewareOfFraudsters UIDAI never asks you to share your POI/ POA documents to update your #Aadhaar over Email or Whatsapp. Update your Aadhaar either online through #myAadhaarPortal or visit Aadhaar centers near you,” the governmental body tweeted on the social media platform now known as X.

POI refers to Proof of Identity, while POA refers to Proof of Address, both of which are required to establish the biometric ID in Aadhaar. The users were directed to visit verified channels to update their Aadhaar.

Aadhaar warning comes after UIDAI says QR verification possible

The recent warning comes after UIDAI took to social media to let users know that all Aadhaar cards are verifiable via a secure QR code on the ID. Users can scan the QR code via their mAadhaar app on their mobile phones to verify the authenticity of the Aadhaar.

The QR code on the Aadhaar card, which is digitally signed by UIDAI, is tamper-proof and can be used to easily establish the legitimacy of any Aadhaar.

The steps of Aadhaar verification are simple. Users need to download the mAadhaar app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, and then click on the ‘Verify Aadhaar’ option in the downloaded app. The camera will then scan the QR code on the physical copy of the Aadhaar card, e-Aadhaar, or Aadhaar PVC.

The app will then display the details of the Aadhaar holder, provided the QR code is valid. In that case, the ‘Verify’ button will digitally verify the Aadhaar.

The offline verification comes as Aadhaar-related scams are on the rise on social media. Aadhaar is a sensitive biometric identification number provided to all citizens of India, non-resident Indians (NRIs), and foreigners living in the country for more than one year.

Fraudsters can tamper with Aadhaar and use it to steal personal information and do fraudulent activities. Aadhaar cards can be stolen physically, or they can be hacked – theoretically – from the UIDAI database.