Safeguard Your PAN: Methods to Discover and Prevent Fraudulent Loans in Your Name
In today’s digital age, online fraud has increased rapidly. Recently, TV actor Abhinav Shukla fell victim to such fraud when fake loans were taken out in his name using his PAN card. This incident alerts every Indian that their PAN card can also be a target of cyber criminals. The question is, is someone taking out a loan in your name? You can find out the answer yourself in just a few minutes.
How to check if a fraudulent loan is being used against your PAN? The easiest way is to check your credit score. Simply visit any credit bureau website (such as CIBIL, Experian, CRIF High Mark, or Equifax) and download a credit report by entering your PAN number.
Look carefully at the report:
-Do you see any loans you didn’t take out?
-Do you remember inquiring about a new bank or NBFC?
-Are there any EMI defaults or outstanding balances?
-If any of these seem suspicious, understand that someone has misused your PAN.
If you detect fraud, take these steps immediately:
-Contact the bank/NBFC from which the fraudulent loan is appearing.
-File an FIR at the nearest police station as it is necessary for all further legal proceedings.
-Also update your complaint with the Income Tax Department and credit bureaus.
-Fill out the dispute form to remove the incorrect entry from your credit report.
