Do you have a fake DigiLocker app on your phone? Here's how to identify the real one from the fake, you could be scammed!

DigiLocker is a trusted government app, but now fake apps bearing its name are also available on Google Play, posing a significant cyber threat. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a warning about this, making it crucial to know how to differentiate between the real and fake DigiLocker apps and what steps to take immediately if you accidentally download a fake one.

DigiLocker is a government app, so people trust it implicitly. However, cybercriminals are now exploiting this trust. Therefore, you need to be extra 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 fail to distinguish between them 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 be severely scammed. 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 documents, and educational certificates can be saved here.

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 rapidly increasing. 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 several major reasons for this:
• Fake apps use names and logos similar to DigiLocker, creating the illusion of being a government app.
• People assume that every app on the Play Store is safe, which is not true.
• In their haste, people install apps without reading the app information.
• Most users don't check the developer's name and app permissions and log in directly.

How to identify the real and fake DigiLocker app?

If you are going to download DigiLocker, it is very important to keep a few things in mind.

1. Check the developer's name
Go to the app's information section on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Be sure to 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.
• Monitor your bank statements, UPI transactions, and email logins. Report any suspicious activity to www.cybercrime.gov.in or the helpline number 1930.

FAQs

Q1. Is the DigiLocker app available on the Play Store always safe?
No, fake apps can also be present on the Play Store. Always check the developer's name before downloading.

Q2. What is the biggest harm a fake DigiLocker app can cause?
These apps can steal your identity, banking details, and important documents.

Q3. Who is the developer of the genuine DigiLocker app?
The genuine app is released by the National e-Governance Division or the Government of India.

Q4. Where to complain if you become a victim of fraud through a fake app?
You can immediately file a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in or on the helpline number 1930.