Government Issues Warning on New Cyber Fraud Techniques

Cybercriminals are using advanced techniques to commit fraud without the need for OTPs or calls, leading to unauthorized access to bank accounts. The Indian government's cyber security unit has issued a warning about AEPS face authentication fraud, advising citizens on how to protect themselves. By enabling biometric locks on their Aadhaar accounts and being aware of potential scams, individuals can safeguard their finances. The article outlines steps to take if one falls victim to such fraud, including contacting customer service to deactivate AEPS and reporting incidents to the cyber crime helpline. Stay informed and protect your financial security.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 1, 2026, 15:24 IST

Understanding the Latest Cyber Fraud

Cybercriminals are employing innovative methods to deceive individuals. Even without receiving an OTP or a phone call, your bank account could still be compromised. In response, the government has issued a warning and provided guidance on how to protect oneself. The Indian government's cyber security unit, I4C, has shared insights about this fraud through its X handle.

What is AEPS Fraud?

The cyber friend from I4C has alerted the public about the AEPS face authentication fraud. Users may not receive any calls or OTPs, yet funds can mysteriously vanish from their bank accounts. This fraudulent activity is executed through AEPS, which stands for Aadhaar Enabled Payment System, utilizing face authentication. The government has introduced this feature for withdrawing money based on Aadhaar verification, but hackers are exploiting it.

How Does the Scam Work?

According to I4C, hackers can defraud individuals by using just a photo and AI technology to access their accounts via AEPS. Awareness is the first step in protecting oneself from this scam. Individuals should secure their Aadhaar by enabling biometric locking to prevent misuse by fraudsters.

Steps to Protect Yourself

Log in to the new Aadhaar app or mAadhaar app.
Navigate to services and enable the biometric lock option.
Unlock it when necessary, and remember to lock it again afterward.

What to Do If You Fall Victim?

By following these steps, you can safeguard against AEPS face authentication fraud. Additionally, if you do not use AEPS, contact your bank's customer service to deactivate it, preventing hackers from accessing your funds. In case of any fraudulent activity, report it by calling the cyber crime helpline at 1930.