DigiLocker: Do you have a fake DigiLocker app on your phone? Here's how to identify the real one from the fake..

DigiLocker is a government app, so people trust it implicitly. However, cybercriminals are now exploiting this trust. Therefore, you need to be careful when downloading DigiLocker from the Play Store. Fake apps that look exactly like DigiLocker are now available on the Google Play Store.

Users often can't tell the difference and end up downloading the fake app. Through these fake apps, cybercriminals can easily steal people's identity, banking details, and important documents. If you are not careful, you could suffer significant losses. Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued a warning about this threat. Here's what DigiLocker is and how to identify the real and fake apps.

What is DigiLocker, and why is this app important?
DigiLocker is a government digital platform where you can securely store soft copies of your important documents. Documents such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, vehicle registration papers, and educational certificates can be saved in it.

In simple terms, DigiLocker is a digital locker where your documents are kept safe. Even without hard copies, the documents stored in DigiLocker are considered valid. This is why its use is increasing rapidly. The DigiLocker platform is developed and operated by MeitY and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD). It aims to promote paperless governance and prevent document forgery.

Why are people confused between the real and fake DigiLocker?
Cybercriminals cleverly design fake apps, easily confusing ordinary users. There are some major reasons behind this:

The name and logo of the fake apps are kept similar to DigiLocker, creating the illusion of it being a government app.
People assume that every app on the Play Store is safe, which is not the case.
In their haste, people install the app without reading the details. Most users don't check the developer's name and app permissions and log in directly.

How to identify a real and fake DigiLocker app?
If you are going to download DigiLocker, it is very important to keep a few things in mind.

1. Always check the developer's name
Go to the app's information section on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Always check the developer's name. The correct name will be National e-Governance Division or Government of India. If you see the name of a third party or an unknown developer, that app is fake.

2. Pay attention to the app's language and design
Fake apps often have spelling mistakes, strange vocabulary, poor graphics, or a blurry logo. Stay away from such apps immediately.

3. Download only from the official website
You can download the app by visiting the official MeitY or DigiLocker website. There you will also find QR codes for the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, which eliminates the risk of downloading the wrong app.

What to do if you accidentally download a fake DigiLocker app?
If you suspect that the wrong DigiLocker app has been installed on your phone, take these steps without delay.

Immediately delete the app from your phone.
Check if the app has taken any sensitive permissions such as camera, messages, microphone, or storage.

Immediately change the passwords for DigiLocker, Aadhaar-linked services, banking apps, UPI, and email.

Perform a full scan of your phone with anti-malware software.

Keep an eye on your bank statements, UPI transactions, and email logins.

Report any suspicious activity to www.cybercrime.gov.in or helpline number 1930.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.