SMS says your Aadhaar will be deactivated unless you click a link

Q: Is this a scam?

Yes. This is a documented scam pattern. An SMS or WhatsApp message claims your Aadhaar will be deactivated, suspended, or unlinked from your bank unless you update KYC by clicking a link or installing an APK. The link harvests personal data and the APK is malware that reads OTPs.

An SMS or WhatsApp message claims your Aadhaar will be deactivated, suspended, or unlinked from your bank unless you update KYC by clicking a link or installing an APK. The link harvests personal data and the APK is malware that reads OTPs.

Also known as: Aadhaar KYC phishing, PAN-Aadhaar link scam, bank KYC suspension SMS

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Call 1930 now

1 Call 1930 — the national cyber-crime helpline — right now. The sooner you report, the better the chance of freezing the money before it moves.

2 Call your bank to freeze the account and block the card immediately. Use the number printed on your card, never a number from the message or caller.

3 File a report at cybercrime.gov.in and keep every message, screenshot, and transaction ID.

! If you installed any "support", "server", "refund", or remote-access app at their request (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Support, etc.): disconnect the internet now, then run free SeraphSecure (https://www.seraphsecure.com) to detect and remove it.

What to do right now

1 Do not click. Do not install any APK from an SMS or WhatsApp

2 If you want to verify KYC status, log in directly at uidai.gov.in or use your bank's official app

3 Aadhaar updates are free on the official UIDAI portal and cost a small fee at a Seva Kendra

4 If you installed a fake KYC app, uninstall it, then change your bank password and freeze your debit card

5 If you installed any 'support' or 'server' or 'refund app' or remote-access app at the scammer's request (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Support, etc.), run free SeraphSecure (https://www.seraphsecure.com) to detect and remove it.

6 Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (national cyber helpline).

Red flags

⚠ UIDAI never sends SMS or WhatsApp messages with links to update Aadhaar. Updates happen at uidai.gov.in or at an Aadhaar Seva Kendra

⚠ Banks never ask you to install an APK file to complete KYC

⚠ The link domain is not uidai.gov.in or your bank's official domain

⚠ Urgent language: 'within 24 hours' or 'account will be frozen'

Aadhaar phishing texts are sent in massive volume, often timed to coincide with real UIDAI announcements about KYC deadlines — which makes them feel plausible. UIDAI publishes the same advice on every alert: they will never SMS you a link to update Aadhaar.

If you installed a fake “bank KYC” or “Aadhaar update” APK: uninstall it immediately, then change your bank passwords (UPI PIN, mobile banking, debit card PIN) from a different device, and call your bank’s fraud line to flag your account.

Then report at cybercrime.gov.in and call 1930.

Known variants

Lookalike apps for SBI YONO, BHIM, mAadhaar, IRCTC, or EPFO uploaded to the Play Store under near-identical names harvest net-banking credentials and OTPs after installation. Google removes them within 24-72 hours; victims are reached during that window.

Last seen: 5/30/2026

AI 'blink video' deepfake bypasses Aadhaar liveness: gang changes victim's linked mobile using stolen data, uses Google Gemini to fake blink videos from photos, passes video-KYC, opens a bank account and takes loans without victim knowing. Interstate gang busted in Ahmedabad, May 2026.

Last seen: 5/30/2026

PAN 2.0 phishing (October 2026): fake SMS or email claims your PAN card will be deactivated under the new PAN 2.0 rollout unless you verify via a spoofed Income Tax portal link. The lookalike page harvests PAN, Aadhaar, date of birth and OTP. Real PAN 2.0 card upgrades are free, opt-in, and only at incometax.gov.in.

Last seen: 10/9/2026

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What to do right now

Red flags

Known variants

Sources