Aadhaar update: Here’s how to check if your Aadhaar card is genuine or fake

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Over the past few months, there have been increasing reports of an upsurge in the circulation of duplicate Aadhaar cards used for fraud and identity theft. Whether it's for a job, government paperwork, or opening a bank account, Aadhaar is now an accepted method of identification. That's exactly why fraudsters started circulating forged copies of it—and that the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is now urging people to verify whether any Aadhaar card they encounter or are shown is genuine.

Several people across India have already brought forward cases of Aadhaar cards with strange fonts, incorrect QR codes, or invalid numbers being utilized to file false claims on benefits or verification of identity. In response to that, UIDAI has issued a public notice reminding that there is a quick and simple way to verify whether any Aadhaar card is valid.

How to verify whether an Aadhaar card is authentic or fake

According to UIDAI, the easiest way to verify an Aadhaar card is by scanning the QR code on the card. Any legitimate Aadhaar card, be it physical or downloaded, carries a QR code containing encrypted information such as the name of the person, photograph, and date of birth. When scanned through the official UIDAI app, the details must match exactly with the printed details on the card.

You can do this by either downloading the "mAadhaar" app or by using the Aadhaar QR code scanner tool available on the official website of UIDAI. When you scan the QR code, it will show you the cardholder's details, and you can verify if it matches or not. If the QR code doesn't read or shows mismatched data, that's a warning sign.

UIDAI has also advised that usage should not be made of Aadhaar cards received by way of image or PDF through messaging apps or emails unless authenticated. Impersonators usually tamper with electronic files in a way that they yield altered versions which look original at first glance. Therefore, it is advisable to verify the QR code rather than name or number alone.

Why verification is more important than ever

Aadhaar is used in everything from bank KYC to SIM activation, and the potential damage from a fake card can be serious. Whether you’re hiring someone, submitting documents, or verifying identity for any official purpose, it’s important to go the extra step and confirm the Aadhaar card is genuine. The good news is that UIDAI has made the tools freely available, and the process takes only a few seconds.

This advisory is a part of UIDAI's overall initiative for digital cleanliness and citizen awareness. Identity theft these days being increasingly common, being able to detect a fake Aadhaar card is now a matter of fundamental survival skill.

FAQs

Q. How do I check if an Aadhaar card is original?

You can scan the QR code printed on the card with the mAadhaar app or online QR code scanner provided by UIDAI. It will reflect the official details of the cardholder for verification.

Q. What if the QR code is not scanable or reads different information?

That could be an indication that the Aadhaar card is forged or tampered with. You should never use or accept it until verified directly with UIDAI.

Q. Is a digital Aadhaar card received on WhatsApp or email safe to use?

Only if it’s downloaded from UIDAI’s official portal and verified via QR code. Always be cautious with forwarded digital copies.