Hack of the Day: How to check if any unauthorized loan is linked to your PAN card

Today's hack of the day is for those Indians whose PAN card sits quietly in a wallet or a phone folder, used only when a form demands it. But in reality, it is the backbone of the country’s financial system. Every loan, credit card and major financial transaction is linked to it. This also means that if PAN details fall into the wrong hands, they can be misused to take loans without the holder’s knowledge. Many people realise this only after receiving repayment calls or noticing unexplained damage to their credit score.

Why this check can save you serious trouble

Financial fraud involving identity misuse has become easier with digital lending and instant approvals. Regularly checking what is linked to your PAN helps ensure that no credit has been taken in your name without consent. It also allows you to act early if something looks off, instead of dealing with the consequences months later.

Your credit report is the first place to look

The clearest picture of loans linked to your PAN comes from your credit report. Every bank, NBFC or digital lender reports loans and credit cards issued in your name to credit bureaus. These records are consolidated into a single report that reflects your borrowing history.


Credit bureaus such as CIBIL, Experian, Equifax and CRIF High Mark allow individuals to access one free credit report every year. By entering your PAN number and basic personal details on their official platforms, you can download this report and review it at your own pace. Any loan, credit card or account you do not recognise deserves immediate attention.

Apps that turn a complex check into a quick scan

For those who prefer a more user-friendly view, several fintech apps provide access to the same credit bureau data. Apps like OneScore, Paytm and Cred pull information from authorised credit agencies and display it in a simplified dashboard.

These apps are particularly useful for routine monitoring. They show active loans, credit limits and repayment status, and many of them also send alerts when there is new credit activity linked to your PAN.

Adding a government-backed layer of verification

Another way to cross-check your financial footprint is through DigiLocker. The platform allows users to access their Central KYC or CKYC information, which stores verified financial identity records linked to PAN. Reviewing this data can help confirm whether any financial account or loan has been created without your approval.

While CKYC may not list every detail of a loan, it serves as an additional layer of verification when something feels amiss.

Signals that should raise immediate concern

Unfamiliar lenders, loans showing up from locations you have never lived in, or a sudden dip in your credit score without any obvious reason are all indicators that deserve scrutiny. These signs often surface before a fraud becomes a full-blown financial problem.

Turning PAN safety into a routine habit

Protecting your PAN starts with basic caution. Avoid sharing PAN details on unsecured websites or with unknown intermediaries. Enable SMS or email alerts with your bank for any credit approvals, and make it a practice to review your credit report at least twice a year.

In a digital financial system, awareness is the first line of defence. Spending a few minutes tracking what is linked to your PAN can spare you months of stress later. That is today’s Hack of the Day.
Hack of the Day: How to check if any loan is linked to your PAN card