PAN card

PAN is a ten-character tax ID linked to your name and finances. Scammers use stolen PAN details for fake loans and accounts.

PAN card: PAN, or Permanent Account Number, is a ten-character alphanumeric tax identity issued by the Income Tax Department. It is needed for bank accounts, investments, high-value payments and tax returns. Your PAN is linked to your financial records across institutions. It identifies you across banks.

Many Indians give their PAN card copy to brokers, lenders, employers and online services. Because it identifies your financial trail, a stolen copy can be used for fake loan applications, wallets or accounts. People often learn this only when a loan recovery call arrives for a loan they never took. Treat your PAN copy like cash that can be reused.

Keep your PAN details to yourself unless there is a clear need. Be wary of messages saying your PAN is blocked or must be updated with a link. Those are lures. If you suspect misuse, check your credit report and report to your bank and to the cyber crime portal. Do not post a photo of your PAN online. Do not ignore unexpected loan notices.

Tips

• Share your PAN copy only with regulated companies you chose to deal with.
• Ignore SMS or calls saying your PAN will be blocked unless you click a link.
• Check your credit report once or twice a year for loans you did not take.

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