Things You Need to Know About PAN Card Fraud

The PAN card is unique to every person in India. Everyone can get this document, regardless of tax status. But in recent times, fraud using PAN cards has been on the rise.

Several cases exist where individuals have lost a lot of money. These hackers misuse the details on the PAN card. This leads to financial loss.

How to Know if Someone Has Your PAN Card Details?

If you think someone may have your PAN card details, here is how you can check. Have a look at your credit score. Here you will know all loans taken under your name.

Below, we will list the steps you need to take to check your credit report online. This will let you know if there has been a PAN card scam.  

Step 1: Visit a reliable credit bureau.

Step 2: Look for the ‘Check Cibil Score’ option.

Step 3: You will have to enter some details. They will include your name, email ID, date of birth, mobile number, and PAN card.

Once you enter the correct details, you will be able to check your CIBIL score. Also, you will be able to see if there is any fraud.

How to Report a PAN Card Scam?

If you find any changes in your credit score, it means someone used your details. You should report any PAN misuse as soon as possible. This section will discuss how you can report a pan can fraud.

Step 1: Start by going to the official website of TIN NSDL. On the homepage, you will find the customer care section. Choose “Customer care”.

Step 2: On clicking this option, you will get a drop-down menu.

Step 3: Look for the “Complaints and Questions” option. Select that.

Step 4: A complaint form will open. Make sure to enter all details correctly. Provide the correct data to ensure someone looks at your matter.

Step 5: The final step is to enter a captcha code. Enter it and proceed by clicking “Submit”.

Is There a Way to Avoid Pan Card Fraud?

Yes, there are many ways you can avoid pan card scams. Below, we will list some methods to keep you safe from these scams. We hope this helps you stay safe from such frauds.

• Do not enter your PAN card details everywhere. First, you should verify the authenticity of the website. Many fake websites are online. These websites take information from the user and later misuse it.
• Don't give personal info on unknown websites, like credit card or loan comparison sites, not recognized by the government. Misusing and even selling your data is very easy.
• Only give PAN card copies to valid organizations and businesses. Know where and why you need to submit these.
• Do not give your full name or your date of birth on online websites. People generally use this information to track the PAN.
• Make sure you keep an eye on your credit score regularly.
• Do not save your PAN card details on your phone. You can compromise on confidential information if you lose your phone.

What are the Types of PAN Card Fraud?

Giving out your PAN card number is risky. People can misuse the information and take loans in your name. Here are some ways that these hackers can use your details.

1. Rental hotel rooms

Scammers usually use fake or stolen PAN card details while renting hotel rooms. They may even do this when renting vehicles. If anything wrong happens in the hotel room, the police will first check the IDs. Thus, this is a case of stolen identity.

2. Buy jewellery

If you buy gold for more than a certain amount, you must provide your PAN card information. Scammers can use stolen PAN cards for this purpose. In case of any PAN card misuse, the IT department may call you for interrogation.

3. Take loans or apply for credit cards

If a scammer steals your PAN card details, they can use them to take out new loans. Also, they can use the information to apply for credit cards. This can lead to various financial frauds. And the blame will rest on you since it has your PAN card information.

The Bottom Line

PAN card frauds are more common than you can imagine. There are many cases where people have reported misuse of PAN card details. These frauds will only keep rising. But the only way through this is to be safe.

Go online and check if someone is misusing your information. Avoid giving your PAN card details to strangers or fake websites. Use this information only when it is essential.