In today’s
digital-first financial world, a PAN card is no longer just an identity document—it is the
backbone of your entire financial profile. Unfortunately, this also makes it a potential target for fraudsters who may try to
take loans or credit in your name without permission. Here’s how you can
protect yourself and take action from home.
Why You Should Monitor Your PAN
· Every financial transaction in India, such as
loans, credit cards, and investments, is linked to your PAN card.· Fraudsters can
misuse PAN details to open accounts or borrow money illegally, creating
financial liabilities in your name.· Regular monitoring helps
detect unauthorized activity early, minimizing potential damage.
How to Check for Loans or Credit Taken in Your Name
1.
Use the Income Tax Department Portalo Visit the official
Income Tax e-Filing portal.o Check your
Form 26AS, which contains details of
taxable transactions and financial activities linked to your PAN.o Look for
unrecognized loans or financial entries that you did not authorize.2.
Check with Banks and Financial Institutionso Contact your
bank or lender to verify if any
loan or credit account exists under your PAN.o Many banks also provide
online dashboards for checking loan status linked to your PAN.3.
CIBIL or Credit Report Checko Obtain your
credit report from CIBIL or other credit bureaus.o This report lists all
loans, credit cards, and financial accounts associated with your PAN.o Identify any
unknown or suspicious accounts immediately.
How to Report Fraud
1.
Contact the bank or Lender Immediatelyo Inform them about the
unauthorized loan and request
freezing or blocking of the account.2.
File a Complaint with Cybercrime Authoritieso Report the incident via the
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or local police.3.
Raise an Official Grievance with the RBI or Financial Institutiono Some banks have dedicated
fraud resolution departments.4.
Update Your PAN Securityo Change
linked email, mobile numbers, and passwords associated with financial accounts.o Be cautious with sharing PAN details online or with unknown parties.
Bottom Line
Your PAN card is central to your financial identity, so
regularly monitoring it is crucial. By
checking Form 26AS, reviewing credit reports, and reporting suspicious activity promptly, you can
protect yourself from financial fraud without leaving your home.
Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.