In today’s digital age, financial fraud has become increasingly common. Many people come to know much later that a loan worth lakhs has been taken in their name—without their knowledge. The first warning often comes in the form of a call from a recovery agent or a sudden drop in their CIBIL score. By then, the damage caused by the misuse of a PAN card is already done.

This is why it has become extremely important to regularly check whether any unauthorised loan or credit account is linked to your PAN card. The good news is that you can now verify this within minutes by following a few simple steps.

With the rise of digital lending platforms and instant loan apps, borrowing money has become quick and paperless. However, this convenience has also increased the risk of identity theft. Fraudsters often misuse leaked PAN details to take loans or credit cards in someone else’s name.

If such a loan remains unpaid, it can:

• Severely damage your credit score

• Label you as a loan defaulter

• Create problems in getting future loans, home loans, or even credit cards

Regular monitoring is the best way to protect your financial identity.

The most accurate way to find out whether a fake loan exists is by checking your credit report. In India, credit information is maintained by four major bureaus:

• TransUnion CIBIL

• Experian

• Equifax

• CRIF High Mark

You can visit the official website of any credit bureau and request your free credit report once a year. You will need to enter your PAN number and basic personal details.

After downloading the report, carefully review the loan and credit account section. If you notice:

• A loan you never applied for

• A credit card you don’t recognize

• A lender name unfamiliar to you

It could indicate possible fraud.

If checking credit bureau websites feels complicated, several fintech apps make the process easier. Apps like Paytm, CRED, and OneScore allow users to view their credit score and active loans within minutes.

• User-friendly dashboards

• Real-time credit alerts

• Easy tracking of loan inquiries

These apps can notify you if a new loan inquiry is made using your PAN card.

The government-backed DigiLocker platform offers another reliable way to verify financial records. By accessing your Central KYC (CKYC) details, you can see verified financial accounts linked to your PAN.

While DigiLocker may not show every loan detail, it works well as a cross-checking tool. Any unfamiliar record should be taken seriously.

Never ignore these warning signs:

• Loan issued by an unknown bank or NBFC

• Loan registered in a city or state you’ve never lived in

• Sudden fall in credit score without missed payments

These are strong indicators of PAN card misuse.

• Never share your PAN card details on unknown websites

• Avoid sending PAN card photos on unsecured platforms

• Enable SMS and email alerts for bank and credit activity

• Regularly check your credit report

If fraud is detected, immediately:

• Contact the concerned bank or lender

• File a complaint on the cyber crime portal

• Inform credit bureaus to correct your credit report

In a digital world, awareness is your strongest defence. A few minutes spent checking your PAN-linked records can save you from long-term financial stress. Stay alert, stay informed, and take control of your financial security.