Imagine applying for a loan and finding out your credit score has dropped… but you’ve never taken a loan in your life. Sounds scary, right? Unfortunately, this is happening to more people every day—and your PAN card could be at the center of it all.
In today’s digital age, cyber fraud involving PAN cards is on the rise. Criminals are stealing PAN details and taking loans in someone else’s name, silently damaging their CIBIL score and financial credibility.
If you’re worried that something like this might have happened to you—or want to be sure it hasn’t—this simple guide will show you how to check and what to do if you find a suspicious loan linked to your name.
Why Your PAN Card Is So Vulnerable
Your Permanent Account Number (PAN) is more than just a tax identity. It’s now used almost everywhere—from filing income tax returns and opening bank accounts to applying for credit cards and personal loans.
That’s why cybercriminals are targeting it. All they need are a few stolen details, and they can:
Apply for loans under your name
Ruin your credit profile without your knowledge
Damage your CIBIL score, making future loans difficult or impossible
How to Check If Someone Has Taken a Loan Using Your PAN
You don’t need to be tech-savvy to verify this. Follow these steps using trusted financial apps:
Step 1: Go to a Trusted Fintech App
Open reliable apps like Paytm, Paisabazaar, BankBazaar, or Bajaj Finserv.
Step 2: Navigate to Credit Report Section
Look for tabs like “Loans,” “Credit Score,” or “Credit Report.”
Step 3: Log In with PAN and Mobile Number
Enter your PAN card number and the mobile number linked to it.
Step 4: Complete OTP Verification
You’ll receive a One-Time Password (OTP). Enter it to verify your identity.
Step 5: Download and Review Your Credit Report
Once the credit report loads, check for any loans or credit cards you didn’t apply for. Pay special attention to:
- Unfamiliar lenders
- Suspicious loan amounts
- Credit inquiries you don’t recognize
Found a Fraudulent Loan? Do This Immediately
If you spot a loan you never applied for, act quickly. Time is crucial in fraud cases.
1. Contact the Lender
Call the bank or NBFC listed in the report and explain the issue. Request immediate investigation and block the account if needed.
2. File a Cybercrime Complaint
Visit your nearest cyber crime police station or report it online via the
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
3. Notify the Credit Bureau
Inform CIBIL, Experian, or Equifax about the fraudulent entry. Submit your complaint and request to have the false loan removed from your credit profile.
Pro Tip: Monitor Your Credit Regularly
Checking your credit report once every 3–6 months is a smart habit. It’s free on many apps and helps catch any red flags before they cause serious damage.
Stay Safe: Prevent PAN Card Misuse
Here are some simple habits to protect your PAN card from fraud:
- Never share your PAN card photo on social media or WhatsApp
- Avoid uploading PAN details to unverified websites
- Use e-lock services offered by credit bureaus when not applying for credit
- Keep your email and phone numbers linked with PAN updated
Summary: Protecting Your PAN = Protecting Your Future
Your PAN card is a key to your financial life. But in the wrong hands, it can quietly open doors to debt and distress.
Take a few minutes today to check your credit report. It’s quick, free, and could save you from a mountain of financial trouble later. And if you see something fishy—report it without delay.
Have you ever checked your PAN-based credit report? Share your experience in the comments. Your story could help someone else spot a scam in time