Fraudsters send fake SMS or WhatsApp messages stating that your Aadhaar or PAN will be deactivated if not updated immediately. These messages often contain links to fraudulent websites designed to look like official portals. Once users click these links and enter personal information or OTPs, scammers gain access to sensitive data. Some even ask victims to upload scanned documents or photos, later used for identity theft and opening fake bank accounts.

• ⚠️ Messages claiming your Aadhaar or PAN will be “blocked” or “suspended.”
• 💡 Links resembling official domains but with minor spelling differences.
• ✅ Calls demanding OTPs or Aadhaar numbers for “KYC verification.”
• 📉 Fake social media pages posing as UIDAI or Income Tax helpdesks.
• 🎯 SMS from random numbers instead of official sender IDs.

Once they collect your details, fraudsters can:

• Open bank accounts or mobile wallets in your name.
• Apply for loans or credit cards using your credentials.
• Register SIM cards for illegal activities.
• Link fake accounts to your Aadhaar to divert subsidies or refunds.
• Sell stolen data on the dark web to other criminal groups.

Do’s

• Always visit official government portals such as uidai dot gov dot in and incometax dot gov dot in for updates.
• Use the mAadhaar app or your registered Aadhaar login for verification requests.
• Check your Aadhaar authentication history on UIDAI’s website periodically.
• Use the “Lock/Unlock Aadhaar” feature to secure your biometric data.

Don’ts

• Never click links or open attachments in messages claiming to update Aadhaar or PAN.
• Do not share your Aadhaar number, PAN, or OTP over calls or chats.
• Do not send scanned ID copies to unknown contacts or unverified agencies.
• Ignore any offers linking Aadhaar updates with financial rewards or refunds.

In several recent incidents, scammers created fake websites mimicking UIDAI. Citizens who entered details there later discovered unauthorised loans and SIM cards issued in their name. Similarly, fake Income Tax messages led victims to share PAN details on cloned “verification” sites. Such scams reveal how small mistakes can result in long-term identity theft and credit score damage.

• Report the incident on cybercrime dot gov dot in or call 1930 immediately.
• Contact your bank and request additional verification for all future transactions.
• Check your credit report for unauthorised loans or accounts.
• File a written complaint with UIDAI or the Income Tax Department’s grievance cell.

• 💡 Keep digital copies of documents only on encrypted storage.
• ✅ Regularly update passwords for e-filing and Aadhaar-linked accounts.
• 📉 Avoid sharing IDs on public photocopy machines or cyber cafés.
• 🎯 Enable alerts for Aadhaar authentication to detect misuse.

UIDAI has launched secure features like Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) and the “Masked Aadhaar” option to prevent data misuse. Similarly, the Income Tax Department now verifies PAN updates only through official channels. Awareness campaigns under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and I4C continue to educate users about phishing and identity theft.

Your Aadhaar and PAN are gateways to your identity — protect them as carefully as your bank account. Always use official portals for updates and ignore messages from unknown sources. Cyber awareness is the new financial literacy. Stay vigilant and informed with trusted updates from Indian-Share-Tips.com, which is a SEBI Registered Advisory Services.