PAN Card News: Have you, too, fallen into the trap of fraud resulting from the misuse of your PAN card? If so, this news is for you. To avoid falling victim to the schemes of cybercriminals, always keep a few crucial points in mind.

PAN Card Defaulter: In today’s digital age, everyone uses their PAN card frequently. From opening a bank account to making investments, you inevitably require your PAN card for almost every essential task at some point. However, most people remain completely unaware of what they should do if their PAN card details were to be leaked—even accidentally. Meanwhile, recent days have witnessed a sharp surge in cases of fraud perpetrated through the use of PAN cards. So, let’s explore in this report exactly what steps you should take if your PAN card details ever get compromised.

How Do They Set the Trap?

Cyber fraudsters possess extremely cunning minds. These criminals find it remarkably easy to prey upon unsuspecting individuals. Most cyber fraudsters successfully extract all information regarding your PAN number—often through data leaks or via insecure websites. Furthermore, the moment they acquire this information, they begin taking out substantial loans from online lending apps using your PAN number. However, the most shocking aspect of this entire process is that the actual owner of the PAN card remains completely oblivious to the entire incident; they do not have the slightest inkling of what is transpiring.

You May Not Realize Money Has Been Deducted

Moreover, a peculiar characteristic associated with PAN cards is that while people typically receive an immediate notification message when money is deducted from their bank accounts due to fraud, this is not the case with PAN-related fraud. It is only when the fraudsters—having taken out loans—fail to repay the EMIs that the most severe adverse impact becomes visible: a significant negative hit to your CIBIL credit report. It is important to note that during a PAN fraud scam, the entire operation takes place in the background; consequently, victims often remain completely unaware of the magnitude of the fraud being perpetrated against them.

How to Protect Yourself if You Fall Victim to Fraud?

If you discover that a fraudulent loan has been taken out in your name, recognize immediately—without any delay—that you have become a target of cybercriminals. Without panicking, promptly file a written complaint with the concerned bank or Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). Additionally, you can visit the website of a credit bureau—such as CIBIL—and raise a dispute regarding the specific entry. Furthermore, do not forget to register your complaint on the National Cyber Crime Portal (1930) to ensure that you remain fully protected from a legal standpoint.

How to Safeguard Yourself After Becoming a Victim?

Recently, several experts expressed deep concern regarding this issue. While providing insights, they emphasized that vigilance is the only effective defense. Specifically, you should make it a point to check your credit report at least once every month. While doing so, pay close attention to ensure that no loans have been availed in your name without your knowledge.

Moreover, before submitting a photocopy of your PAN card anywhere, make sure to clearly write the specific purpose on it (for instance: “Only for KYC at XYZ Bank”) and do not forget to sign it. Finally, strictly avoid uploading your personal information to any unfamiliar or unverified mobile applications.