New Delhi: PAN card is one of the most crucial identity and financial documents in India. But with rising digitization and online KYC procedures, PAN card fraud has become alarmingly common. Cases have emerged where people have been penalized for loans or financial activities they never authorized—only to discover that their PAN card details were misused.

If you're wondering whether your PAN card is being used illegally, here's how you can check and protect yourself from identity theft and financial fraud.

❗ How PAN Card Fraud Happens

There are many ways your PAN card details can be leaked or stolen:

• Loan apps often require only PAN and Aadhaar to process instant loans. Fraudsters exploit these apps by submitting someone else's PAN.

• Public platforms like railway ticket booking sometimes display PAN numbers on reservation charts, risking data exposure.

• Third-party KYC agents might mishandle your information due to weak cybersecurity measures or data leaks.

Such breaches allow scammers to use your PAN for unauthorized loans, fake accounts, or even illegal transactions—leaving you in legal and financial trouble.

🔍 How to Check If Your PAN Card Is Being Misused

Fortunately, you can detect potential misuse of your PAN card using these simple steps:

✅ 1. Check Your Credit Score

Your credit report is the first place where signs of fraud will appear. A sudden drop or unexpected loan entry might mean your PAN was used.

✅ 2. Get Your Credit Report from These Bureaus

• CIBIL

• Equifax

• Experian

• CRIF High Mark

These are India's major credit bureaus. Any suspicious loan inquiry or account linked to your PAN will show up in their reports.

✅ 3. Use Trusted Fintech Platforms

Websites and apps like:

• Paytm

• BankBazaar

• Paisabazaar

...allow you to check credit activity and financial history using your PAN. They aggregate reports from credit bureaus and help detect red flags.

🛡️ What to Do If You Suspect PAN Card Misuse

If you find that your PAN is linked to unknown loans or credit activities:

1. Immediately visit the Income Tax Department’s official website.

2. Lodge a formal complaint under the “Grievance” or “Report Misuse” section.

3. File a cybercrime complaint on the National Cyber Crime Portal.

4. Notify the credit bureau where the fraudulent activity was recorded.

Remember, acting quickly can prevent long-term financial damage and protect your credit score.