Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) allows cash withdrawals using just your fingerprint. While convenient, fraudsters have found a way to exploit it by using silicone clones of fingerprints found on property documents.
How It Works
1. Data Theft: Scammers download land registry documents which often contain visible fingerprints.
2. Cloning: They create a silicone thumb impression.
3. Withdrawal: They use this clone at merchant terminals to withdraw cash from your linked bank account. No OTP is required.
The Fix: Lock Your Biometrics
The only sure defense is to lock your Aadhaar biometrics when not in use.
1. Download the mAadhaar App or visit the UIDAI website.
2. Login and select 'Lock/Unlock Biometrics'.
3. This disables authentication until you temporarily unlock it for legitimate use.