In today’s times, the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card has become a crucial document. It is a 10-digit alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department. It is not limited to filing income tax returns (ITR). Still, it is also used for many financial purposes, such as opening a bank account, making large transactions, and investing in the stock market.
The PAN card plays a crucial role in preventing financial fraud, reducing tax evasion, and increasing transaction reliability. Therefore, it is essential to know where and how your PAN card is being used.
Track PAN Card Usage Through Credit Reports
If you want to know where your PAN card has been used, the simplest and most reliable way is to check your credit report. A credit report is a document that provides a detailed account of all debts, credit cards, and other financial liabilities held in your name.
There are several reliable credit platforms available on the market where you can easily check your credit report. Upon accessing these platforms, you will need to provide your personal information, such as name, date of birth, address, and PAN number.
Checking your credit report will provide information about
- How many loans are available in your name?
- Which bank or institution has provided a credit facility using your PAN?
What does your credit report look like
Some websites charge a fee for this report, while many others provide it for free. You can also download this report to your smartphone. If this check reveals a loan or credit account that you didn’t hold, it’s a clear indication that your PAN is being misused.
What to do immediately if your PAN card is misused
After reviewing your credit report, if you believe someone is misusing your PAN card, you must take some decisive steps without delay:
Contact the relevant bank/institution
First, you should immediately contact the bank or financial institution where the fraudulent transaction occurred. Inform them of the misuse and request that they freeze the account.
File an FIR with the police
You should go to the nearest police station and file a detailed FIR regarding the misuse of your PAN card. Keep a copy of the FIR with you.
Inform the Income Tax Department
You can also report this fraud to the Income Tax Department. There is an option to file a complaint on the Income Tax Department’s website, allowing the department to monitor the matter.
Awareness and vigilance are the best tools to prevent PAN card misuse.