Here's why you shouldn't use plastic or laminated Aadhaar cards
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has cautioned people against using "smart" or plastic Aadhaar cards or getting the normal ones laminated. The risks are high, officials warned, citing possibility of theft and damaged QR code. Instead, people can use a number of valid substitutes including mAadhaar, downloaded copies printed on ordinary paper, and more. Find all details here.
Scammers urging people to get "smart" Aadhaar cards
According to reports, unauthorized and unscrupulous elements are urging people to get their Aadhaar cards printed on plastic/PVC sheets to get "smart" Aadhaar cards, or get the normal ones laminated, and charging anywhere from Rs. 50 to Rs. 300 or even more.
Why is getting such cards risky?
There are several risks associated with this process, a UIDAI official said, the main one being the QR code might become dysfunctional as a result of the unauthorized printing by local vendors. "There is also the possibility of giving away personal details to a vendor. This could be dangerous," he said. The UIDAI has received several complaints about people receiving mails/messages from such vendors.
What can you use instead?
People can use the Aadhaar letter, its cutaway portion or mAadhaar, which are all "perfectly valid." The UIDAI has also introduced the concept of a "virtual ID" that one can generate and use instead of the actual Aadhaar number. If you lose your Aadhaar card, you can download it from https://eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in and print it on normal paper to use as a substitute.
