Hyderabad, July 22, 2025 –
In today’s digital world, identity theft has become more common than ever. One major concern many people face is: “Has someone taken a loan using my PAN card?” If you’ve never thought about it before, now is the time to act.
Why You Should Check Your PAN for Loan Fraud
Your Permanent Account Number (PAN) is linked to all your financial transactions. If misused, it can be used by fraudsters to secure loans in your name without your knowledge. Even if you never applied for a loan, your PAN details could still be misused.
How to Check if a Loan Exists on Your PAN
To find out if any loan is linked to your PAN, you need to check your credit report. These reports are issued by India’s top credit bureaus such as:
- CIBIL (TransUnion CIBIL)
- Equifax
- Experian
- CRIF High Mark
These organizations track your credit activity and maintain detailed records of loans and credit card accounts associated with your PAN number.
Steps to Get Your Credit Report Online (Free & Paid Options)
- Visit any official credit bureau website (e.g., cibil.com, equifax.co.in, experian.in)
- Enter your PAN number, mobile number, and date of birth
- Complete identity verification (OTP or KYC)
- Download your credit report
- Review the report for any unknown loans or suspicious activity
Look for ‘Hard Enquiries’ in the Report
If your PAN has been used by someone else to apply for a loan, it will show up as a “hard inquiry” in the credit report. These are records created when banks or NBFCs check your credit profile for loan approval.
If you notice inquiries from unknown institutions, it’s a red flag. This could indicate someone is trying to get a loan using your PAN.
What to Do If You Suspect Misuse
If you find any suspicious loans or unauthorized hard inquiries:
- Immediately raise a dispute with the concerned credit bureau
- Inform the bank or NBFC listed against the inquiry
- Consider filing a complaint with cybercrime authorities or the RBI Ombudsman
- Freeze your credit temporarily, if needed, to stop future abuse
How to Stay Protected Going Forward
- Monitor your credit report regularly (at least once every 3-6 months)
- Avoid sharing your PAN details over phone calls, emails, or suspicious websites
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for banking apps
- Sign up for credit alert services offered by banks or bureaus
Conclusion
PAN card misuse for loans is a growing concern in India. But staying alert, checking your credit report, and acting swiftly can protect you from financial and legal troubles. Don’t wait until it’s too late—check your PAN-linked loan status today.