The PAN card is no longer limited to tax or banking purposes; it has become a vital financial identity. It’s required for opening a new bank account, obtaining a loan, or purchasing property. However, scammers have found ways to misuse it. They are using PAN numbers for fraudulent transactions, credit card applications, and loan processing, potentially causing financial loss and legal trouble to the original owner.
How to check if someone else is using your PAN
To check, log in to the Income Tax Department’s official website, incometax.gov.in. From there, download the Annual Information Statement (AIS) or Form 26AS related to your PAN. This report shows the transactions made using your PAN. If any unknown transactions appear, understand that your PAN has been transferred to someone else.
Check with UPI and credit apps
You can also check using apps like GPay or CRED on your smartphone. After opening the app, go to the credit score section and grant access. Open the full report and check for any unknown loans, credit card applications, or inquiries. If anything suspicious appears, it could be a sign of misuse of your PAN.
Check your PAN status with CIBIL and Experian
You can also check for any fraudulent activity using your PAN by visiting CIBIL, Experian, or other credit bureau websites. The first step is to sign up and fill in the required details. Enter the OTP received on your mobile and download your credit report. Look for any unknown loan or card entries.
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What to do if someone else has used your PAN
If the investigation proves that your PAN card has been misused, first inform the Income Tax Department. Also inform your bank so that any suspicious transactions can be blocked. Also, file a complaint with the police or cybercrime portal for further legal action.
