India is witnessing a concerning spike in identity theft and loan fraud, particularly involving the misuse of Permanent Account Numbers (PAN). Many unsuspecting citizens are discovering that loans or credit cards have been taken out in their name—without their knowledge. Since every PAN is tied directly to an individual’s credit history, any financial activity using it—legal or fraudulent—can deeply impact a person’s credit rating and borrowing ability. As digital transactions increase and financial data becomes more accessible, criminals are finding new ways to exploit stolen PAN details. In most cases, victims only find out when their loan or credit card applications are rejected, or when recovery agents come calling.
How to Spot Misuse Through Your Credit Report
The easiest and most reliable way to know if someone has misused your PAN is to check your credit report regularly. Credit bureaus like CIBIL, Experian, Equifax and CRIF High Mark maintain detailed records of every loan and credit card issued under your name. You can request a free annual credit report on their websites by verifying your identity with your PAN and mobile number. Once you have the report, look for unfamiliar loans, credit card entries, or hard inquiries you didn’t authorize. These are potential signs of misuse.
Red Flags You Should Never Ignore
When scanning your report, be on alert for:
Loans or cards you never applied for
Incorrect or suspicious account numbers
Unknown bank or lender names
Hard credit checks you didn’t approve
Even one such entry should raise concerns. If there are multiple, immediate action is necessary. Reach out to the credit bureau, file a dispute, and contact lenders directly. You may also need to file a complaint with the cybercrime division or the police.
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How to Safeguard Your PAN From Misuse
Your PAN card is as sensitive as your ATM PIN or Aadhaar number. Here’s how to keep it safe:
Never share it on public forums, unsafe websites, or WhatsApp forwards
Avoid uploading it to apps unless necessary and secure
If lost, apply for a reprint immediately and monitor your credit
Use strong passwords for financial accounts
Enable SMS and email alerts for loan or credit activity linked to your PAN
Fraudsters often act quickly. The sooner you detect suspicious activity, the better your chances of limiting the damage.