Patna: Rural communities in Bihar are facing a growing threat from cybercriminals who are targeting biometric data rather than physical assets, according to an investigation by the state’s Economic Offences Unit (EOU).
Organised gangs have reportedly set up fake service centres and camps under the guise of issuing Ayushman Bharat health cards and ration cards. Visitors are asked to provide Aadhaar card details, fingerprints, and iris scans, which are then harvested and sold to cybercriminal networks. These networks use the data to obtain multiple SIM cards and create fraudulent certificates, facilitating a range of cyber fraud activities.
The EOU investigation revealed that these schemes often involve collaboration with Common Service Centres (CSCs) and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs). Once acquired, the biometric information is used to open “mule” bank accounts, where proceeds from cybercrime are deposited. Victims are often unaware until they are contacted for legal proceedings linked to fraudulent activity conducted under their identities.
“The increased reliance on Aadhaar for verification has, unfortunately, also made it a target for misuse,” said Manavjit Singh Dhillon, Deputy Inspector General of the Economic Offences Unit, Bihar. “People must ensure their Aadhaar details are protected, and make use of masking, virtual IDs, and biometric locks.”
Authorities have advised residents to take the following precautions:
- Clearly state the purpose when providing Aadhaar copies.
- Use masked Aadhaar, which conceals eight of the twelve digits.
- Download virtual Aadhaar from the UIDAI website.
- Lock biometric details and monitor Aadhaar usage history online.
- Keep mobile numbers and email addresses updated in Aadhaar to receive alerts.
- Make corrections only at authorised Aadhaar centres.
- Regularly check SIM card issuance in their name via the Sarthi portal.
The warnings come amid increasing reports from districts including Supaul, Bhojpur, Samastipur, and Vaishali, highlighting the vulnerabilities in digital identity systems and the rising sophistication of rural cybercrime operations.
