The Aadhaar card is a unique 12-digit identity number issued by the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) to indian residents. While it helps in accessing government services, subsidies, and banking transactions, keeping an Aadhaar active after a person’s death can lead to fraud and misuse. Here’s why deactivating it is essential.

1. Prevent Identity Theft

After a person passes away, fraudsters may misuse the Aadhaar to:

· Open bank accounts

· Apply for loans or credit cards

· Avail government schemes and benefits

· Conduct online transactions under the deceased’s name

Deactivating Aadhaar ensures that no one can use the deceased person’s identity for illegal purposes.

2. Stop Misuse of bank Accounts Linked to Aadhaar

Many indian banks link Aadhaar for authentication and transactions. If the Aadhaar remains active after death, scammers could:

· Withdraw money using ATM or online banking

· Receive pension or subsidy payments wrongly

· Commit financial fraud using the deceased’s credentials

Deactivation protects family members and heirs from such financial losses.

3. Prevent Fraud in government Schemes

Aadhaar is used for direct benefit transfers (DBT) for schemes like LPG subsidy, pensions, scholarships, and welfare benefits. If Aadhaar is not deactivated:

· Payments meant for the deceased may be fraudulently collected

· government resources may be misappropriated

· Legal complications may arise for the heirs or family members

4. Legal and Ethical Considerations

· The Aadhaar Act, 2016, empowers uidai to deactivate or cancel Aadhaar after death.

· Families and legal heirs have a responsibility to report the death to prevent misuse.

· Failure to deactivate Aadhaar may cause the family to data-face complications or liabilities in cases of fraud.

5. How to Deactivate Aadhaar After Death

Step 1: Collect Required Documents

· Death certificate issued by municipal authorities

· Aadhaar card of the deceased

Step 2: Submit a Request to UIDAI

· Visit the UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in

· Fill out the ‘Update/Correction of Aadhaar’ or ‘Report Death’ form

· Upload supporting documents

Step 3: Confirmation

· uidai will verify the details

· Aadhaar of the deceased will be deactivated, preventing any further use

6. Role of Family Members

Family members or legal heirs should:

· Report the death to banks and financial institutions

· Notify government offices where Aadhaar is linked

· Keep a copy of deactivation confirmation from UIDAI

This ensures complete closure of the deceased’s wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital identity.

7. Key Benefits of Deactivation

Benefit

Explanation

Prevent financial fraud

No one can misuse Aadhaar-linked accounts

Avoid government benefit misuse

Prevent illegal DBT claims

Legal protection

Family won’t be liable for fraudulent transactions

Peace of mind

Digital identity is securely closed

Conclusion

Deactivating Aadhaar after death is crucial to prevent identity theft, financial fraud, and misuse of government benefits. It safeguards the interests of family members and ensures the deceased person’s wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital identity is handled responsibly. Reporting the death and deactivating Aadhaar should be treated as an important posthumous responsibility.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.