Take Immediate Steps If Your Aadhar Card Is Lost or Stolen

The Aadhar card is an essential identification for an individual in India, linking almost every essential service to it: from banking transactions to government schemes. If your Aadhar card is stolen or lost, it can cause issues due to misuse of information. In this article, we will tell you about the risk, precautionary measures, and the measures you need to take in case your Aadhar card is stolen or lost. We will also answer questions like “Can lost Aadhar card be misused?” and guide you through steps like “How to delete DigiLocker account” if linked with your profile.

What to Do When Your Aadhar Card is Lost or Stolen

Losing Aadhar card can be quite stressful, so it is important to keep the process on fast track and reduce risk factors. Here are some measures that you should follow:

1. Assess the Risk: Can Lost Aadhar Card Be Misused?

The primary question that will come up first after losing your Aadhar card is, “Can lost Aadhar card be misused?” Aadhar card details are private; however, they are simply inadequate to substantiate a financial transaction or any high-stakes activity on their own; by way of accounts, those with malicious intent may attempt to commit identity theft in syncretism with other personal data.

Misuse of your Aadhar card can include:

• Fraudulent SIM card purchases.
• Illegal bank account creation under your name.
• Issuance of cards to fraudulent duplicated KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures.
• Use of biometrics linked to Aadhar for identification for criminal use (if leaked too).

Even though UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has issued security measures to prevent misuse of fraudulent Aadhar details, caution remains the watchword.

2. Download an E-Aadhar Right Away

Don’t panic. Get an electronic copy of your Aadhar card (e-Aadhar) from the official UIDAI portal as an interim alternative to your hard copy. An OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number as verification, upon which the e-Aadhar may be downloaded.

3. Protect Your Biometrics

For further security, lock the biometrics associated with your Aadhar card. You can lock and unlock biometrics by going through the UIDAI website or mobile app.

Steps to lock your biometrics:

• Visit the UIDAI portal.
• Click on “Lock/Unlock Biometrics.”
• Authenticate yourself by Aadhar number and OTP received in the registered mobile number.
• Lock your biometric details so that it cannot be used fraudulently.

This secures your fingerprint information as well as iris information so it can’t be utilized for verification until you unlock them.

4. Complain to UIDAI and Get a Virtual ID (VID)

If you feel your missing Aadhar card might get misused, generate a Virtual ID or VID. This VID is a temporary, revocable ID by means of which you can furnish instead of your Aadhar number for verification.

How to generate a VID:

• Log in to the UIDAI portal.
• Go to the Virtual ID Generator.
• Provide your Aadhar number and receive a new, 16-digit VID.

Also, the theft or loss must be reported to the UIDAI by calling on the Helpline No. 1947 or registering an online grievance. UIDAI will provide assistance with next steps to secure your unique identity.

5. File a Police Complaint

Go to your local police station and register a formal complaint regarding the stolen or lost Aadhar card. Retain a copy of the police report as it may be used for future procedural requirements in case of misuse or fraud.

6. Inform Your Bank and Other Associated Organizations

If your Aadhar card was associated with bank accounts, mutual fund accounts, or any other financial services, let the institutions concerned know at once. Let them know about the risk of misuse and ask them to monitor your accounts for any suspicious transactions.

How to Delete DigiLocker Account if Aadhar is Linked to It

DigiLockerLite is an online service created by the government of India to keep digital copies of documents safe. Usually, most users link the Aadhar card with their DigiLocker account; for convenience. If the Aadhar card is lost or misused, one would want to disable the DigiLocker account temporarily for security. For those who want to know how to delete DigiLocker account, one must first contact DigiLocker support and request the closure of an account, at the same time ensuring security for his/her Aadhaar application and other documents linked to it.

Steps to delete DigiLocker account:

• Log into your DigiLocker account through your credentials or Aadhar-linked OTP.
• Proceed to the account settings.
• Check whether your Aadhar card is already linked.
• Request through the contact support system to delete or deactivate your account.

Unfortunately, DigiLocker doesn’t have any auto “Delete Account” feature. Instead, you will have to mail a request to their official support team (support@digitallocker.gov.in) to delete the account. You will have to be prepared to provide some additional verification for security purposes.

Preventive Measures for Aadhar Card Protection

Prevention is better than cure. Utilize these precautions to avoid mishaps with your Aadhar card:

• Link with Care: Be cautious while linking your Aadhar card to any service. Ensure the organization is genuine and legit to carry out Aadhar linking.
• Avoid Sharing Photocopies: Scam is typically carried out via photocopy documents. When photocopying can’t be avoided, stamp “For [Specific Purpose] Only” and the date on it.
• Verify Aadhar Usage: UIDAI lets you track where and when your Aadhar has been used for verification. Keep a tab on this from time to time using their website or mobile app. In case you find any misuse, report it to UIDAI promptly.
• Enable Aadhar Alerts: Enabling SMS/email notifications from the UIDAI will alert you immediately every time your Aadhar number is accessed.

Risks of Losing Your Aadhar Card

Misplaced Aadhar card does not necessarily mean that you are at considerable risk. As per UIDAI, no one can misuse the physical document alone without actual biometric or OTP (sent to your registered mobile number). Nevertheless, depending on your situation, the risk may vary, particularly if other of your personal data has been compromised along with your Aadhar.

In most cases, a lost Aadhar card can be used for only small-level scams, like to buy a new SIM card. But in the event of identity theft if combined with other stolen papers like PAN, voter ID, or bank account, the possibility is there. So it’s all about being proactive.

What Doing Occasion Requires Applying for a Duplicate Aadhar Card?

Well, if your e-Aadhar is updated and it suits your regular needs, then you may not really need to get hold of another Aadhar card in hard copy. However, if you require a physical copy:

• Visit the UIDAI website in the Reprint Aadhar section.
• Use your Aadhar number and authenticate by OTP.
• Pay a small fee to obtain a replacement Aadhar card at your registered address.

Conclusion

The misuse of your Aadhar card would be a nightmare, but realizing what you may be losing and taking quick action can limit any misuse. The question, “Can lost Aadhar card be misused?” shall be kept ever in focus while taking necessary steps toward protecting your identity by means of biometrics locking, generation of VID, and monitoring of Aadhar transactions.

Also, if your Aadhar is associated with online platforms like DigiLocker, being aware of “how to delete DigiLocker account” and temporarily deactivating it might provide an extra level of security. Always report the loss to the police in order to obtain legal evidence, and inform your financial institutions.

By taking this step, you can avoid loss of control with least disturbance. Prevention is better than cure, and hence be cautious in storing and sharing your Aadhar details.