PAN Card Fraud Update: In today’s digital age, everything has become online, but in this online world, there are no less fraudsters. One of those cunning tricks is PAN Card Fraud.
You must be thinking what is the harm in this? So let us tell you that your PAN card can be used for someone else’s wrongdoings in just a few minutes, due to which you may have to suffer huge financial loss.
How does PAN card fraud happen
Your PAN card is an important document of your financial identity. It contains sensitive information like your name, date of birth, and photo. Cybercriminals misuse this information.
Opening a fake account and taking a loan: Fraudsters can open a fake bank account in your name or take a loan by stealing your PAN card information. You may not even be aware of this and the burden of debt increases on you.
Phishing Attack: Fraudsters can send you a link to a fake website through email or phone calls. As soon as you click on that link, your PAN card information can be stolen. After this, money can be withdrawn from your bank account.
Stealing credit card information: It is not difficult to get credit card information from PAN card information. In such a situation, your credit card can also be in danger.
How to know if your PAN card has been fraudulent
Check credit score: You can check your credit score by visiting the website of any credit bureau. If any unusual activity is seen in the report, then your PAN may have been misused.
View Form 26AS: Go to the Income Tax Department website and download Form 26AS. It contains information about all the transactions related to your PAN card. Take immediate action if any unknown transaction is detected.
How to keep your PAN card safe
Check the URL of the website: While giving PAN card information on any website, make sure that the URL starts with https. Websites with HTTP are not safe.
Do not click on unknown links: Avoid clicking on any link received from an unknown email or phone call.
Check your credit score regularly: Keep an eye on your credit score. Inform the bank immediately if there is any discrepancy.
Be careful while giving a copy of your PAN card: Whenever you have to submit a photocopy of your PAN card somewhere, get “Issued for the specific purpose only” written on it.
How to complain about PAN card fraud
If you feel that your PAN card has been misused, then you can register a complaint by visiting the Tax Information Portal of the Income Tax Department. Apart from this, you can also register an FIR at the nearest police station.
