How to avoid PAN card misuse? Here are some tips that can protect you from cyber fraud

There have been many instances where top celebrities like Shilpa Shetty and MS Dhoni have been victims of cyber fraud through PAN card misuse by a third party. This can happen to anyone, if you are not careful. For instance, when you book your flight or railway tickets and enter your PAN number you make it easier for hackers to find out your PAN. So, here’s how you can check if someone is misusing your PAN card:

How to avoid PAN card fraud?

• Don’t enter your PAN number on random websites, instead, check the authenticity of the website. Use other ID details, such as driver’s license, voter ID which are less vulnerable.
• Share your PAN photocopies only with authentic people or companies and sign those photocopies with the date. Finally, keep track of where you are submitting these.
• When you visit any random sites, don’t use your full name and date of birth because these can be used to track your PAN.
• You can de-link your Aadhaar card and bank accounts, as it is no longer a government mandate.
• Check your Credit score from time to time on online portals.
• Delete PAN card details from your phone.

On March 3, a bizarre case of cyber fraud was reported. A group of fraudsters allegedly procured PAN details of several Bollywood actors and cricketers from their GST Identification Numbers which are available online, and got credit cards issued in their names from Pune-based fintech startup 'One Card'. Some of the celebrities whose names and details were used by the fraudsters are Abhishek Bachchan, Shilpa Shetty, Madhuri Dixit, Emraan Hashmi and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Shahadra Rohit Meena said.

So, keep checking your Cibil score and income tax Form 26A to know or report any transaction not done by you.


Step 1- Go to any one of the bureau sites like TransUnion CIBIL, Equifax, Experian, Paytm, Bank Bazaar, or CRIF High Mark available on the internet according to your convenience.

Step 2- Check your credit score on the website, which is mostly free of cost, while some websites might ask you to choose a plan for getting a detailed credit score.

Step 3- Enter your personal data like date of birth, name, email ID, registered mobile number, and PAN, and verify through OTP.

Step 4- You will be able to access your credit score. It will also include the loans that are currently existing in your name