e-KYC

e-KYC is a paperless identity check that uses your Aadhaar number and an OTP sent to your registered mobile to confirm who you are.

e-KYC: e-KYC is an electronic identity check, where a bank or service verifies your details using your Aadhaar and an OTP sent to the mobile number linked with it. It avoids paper copies. You give consent, and the provider receives only the basic details it needs.

Many people did e-KYC when opening a mutual fund, SIM card or bank account. You enter your Aadhaar number, receive an OTP on the linked mobile, and approve. The provider gets your name, address, photo and date of birth in digital form. Because it uses an OTP, it is only as safe as that OTP. Take a moment to confirm who is asking.

This is why an e-KYC OTP must never be read out to a stranger. A fraudster who has your Aadhaar number and the OTP can open accounts or SIMs in your name. Use e-KYC only with companies you chose to deal with, in their own app or counter, and look at the message to see which company is asking. Keep your phone number linked to Aadhaar under your own control.

Tips

• Do e-KYC only with a company you chose, never because a caller asked.
• Read the OTP message: it names the company requesting your details.
• Lock your biometrics on the official Aadhaar service if you do not use them often.

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