These days, a PAN card isn’t just a piece of paper for tax or bank account filing, but it’s become the most important pillar of your identity and financial security. It’s essential everywhere—major transactions, loans, credit cards, or investments. But have you ever wondered where your PAN card is being used behind your back? Learn the easiest and most reliable way to find out within minutes from home if your PAN card has fallen into the wrong hands and how to protect your financial future.
PAN Card
In today’s world, more than half of our economic activities are linked to the PAN card. Whether you need to take out a large loan, purchase property, or invest in the stock market, a PAN card is essential. It’s your financial horoscope.
In recent times, numerous cases have surfaced where people’s PAN cards have been used without their knowledge for wrong purposes, such as opening fake companies or taking out illegal loans. This not only damaged their financial records but also exposed them to significant legal trouble. Therefore, it’s crucial to know where your valuable PAN card has been used.
The correct way to use your PAN card
The easiest and most reliable way to find out where your PAN card is linked or for what financial activities it has been used is to check your credit report. A credit report is a transparent mirror that keeps a detailed record of all loans and credits taken in your name based on your PAN number. If a new loan or credit card has been taken out using your PAN, it will immediately appear in your credit report. Credit bureaus like CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and CRIF Highmark provide this vital information.
Get a credit report in minutes
You can access your complete credit report in just a few minutes, from the safety of your home. First, you need to visit the website of an official credit bureau like CIBIL, Experian, or Equifax. There, you need to select the ‘Check Your Credit Score’ or ‘Free Credit Report’ option. Next, you’ll need to enter your name, address, date of birth, and, crucially, your PAN number.
Keep in mind that some websites may charge for the report, while many offer free reports (such as once every year). Upon receiving the report, carefully examine all active and closed loans, as well as credit cards, listed in it. This report will clearly indicate which loans are active in your name, which banks they’re from, and their amounts. If you see any loans you don’t know about, it’s a clear indication of PAN card misuse.
Checking Aadhaar-PAN Linking
As per government guidelines, linking your PAN card to your Aadhaar card is mandatory. This verification is also part of financial security.
Go to the Income Tax e-filing portal to verify.
Click on the ‘Link Aadhaar Status’ option and enter your PAN and Aadhaar numbers.
The status will be displayed immediately on your screen.
Remember, if your PAN card is not linked to Aadhaar, your financial transactions may be disrupted and your PAN card may even be deactivated, causing significant inconvenience. Taking care of your PAN card is your top financial responsibility.
