How It Works
Fraudsters obtain a cloned copy of your fingerprint — often from publicly available documents, land records, or old Aadhaar-linked forms — and use it on Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) machines at small shops to withdraw cash from your bank account without your knowledge.
Real Example
A farmer's fingerprint, captured from an old land registration document, is duplicated and used at an AePS-enabled shop counter to withdraw money from his bank account without his presence or consent.
Red Flags 🚩
- Unexplained AePS withdrawals you never authorized
- SMS alerts for biometric-based withdrawals you didn't make
- Personal documents with fingerprints shared carelessly
- No transaction OTP requested for AePS withdrawals (by design)
Protection Steps 🛡️
- Lock your Aadhaar biometrics using the UIDAI mAadhaar app or website when not needed.
- Avoid submitting physical documents with fingerprints unless necessary.
- Check bank statements regularly for unfamiliar AePS transactions.
- Report suspicious withdrawals to your bank and UIDAI immediately.