Worried About Loan Fraud? Here’s How to Check if Someone Misused Your PAN Card

With increasing cases of identity theft and financial fraud, concerns are growing around the misuse of PAN cards to take fake loans. Experts are urging citizens to regularly monitor their credit reports to ensure their PAN has not been used illegally.

A fraudulent loan taken using your Permanent Account Number (PAN) not only impacts your credit score but can also severely affect your chances of securing future credit. Since PAN is directly linked to your credit history, any loan—genuine or fake—appears on your credit report.

How to Find Out if a Loan Was Taken Using Your PAN

The simplest way to find out if someone has misused your PAN card is to check your credit report. Leading credit bureaus like CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark maintain detailed records of loans and credit cards issued in your name. Citizens can visit their websites and request a free credit report once every year, using their PAN and mobile number for verification.

While reviewing the report, individuals should look for:

• Loans or credit cards not applied for
• Unfamiliar financial institutions
• Incorrect account details
• Recent loan inquiries not authorized by them

These could be clear signs of identity theft or loan fraud.

What to Do If You Spot a Fake Loan

If any suspicious or fake loan is found, immediate action is recommended:

• Contact the lender and inform them about the fraudulent loan
• File a dispute with the respective credit bureau online
• Provide identity proof, a written complaint, and an affidavit
• Lodge a formal complaint with the cybercrime cell of the local police station

Authorities advise keeping copies of all complaint documents and email communication for future reference.

Steps to Prevent PAN Misuse

Officials recommend not sharing your PAN card or number on untrusted websites, apps, or in social media messages. Citizens are also advised to:

• Avoid giving photocopies of PAN unnecessarily
• Apply for a duplicate PAN if the original is lost
• Regularly monitor credit reports
• Use strong passwords for online banking
• Enable SMS and email alerts for any loan or credit application activity

Experts Speak

“People treat PAN like just another ID card, but it’s actually tied to your entire credit profile. A fake loan under your PAN can destroy your credit rating. Early detection is the key,” said a senior banking official.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I check my PAN-related loans online?
  Yes. Visit the website of any major credit bureau and request your report using your PAN.
• What happens if someone gets a loan using my PAN?
  Your credit score may fall, affecting your ability to get loans. You must raise a dispute and inform the police.
• How often should I check my credit report?
  At least once every year—though checking every 3 to 6 months is recommended for better safety.

As fraud cases rise, authorities continue to stress the importance of financial awareness and vigilance. Protecting your PAN is now as crucial as safeguarding your ATM PIN or Aadhaar number.