How to Track PAN Card Misuse: Safeguard Your Identity in 2026
Your Permanent Account Number (PAN) is the master key to your financial identity in India. In January 2026, cybersecurity experts at Quick Heal and Seqrite Labs reported a massive spike in “PAN farming” scams, where stolen details are used to open fraudulent bank accounts or take out “instant” loans.
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If you suspect your details have been compromised, follow this professional checklist to track and report misuse immediately.
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1. How to Track Misuse: The “Diagnostic” Tools
You don’t have to wait for an Income Tax notice to find out if your PAN is being used by someone else. Use these three digital trails:
A. Check Your Credit Report (CIBIL/Experian)
This is the most effective way to spot unauthorized loans. Every loan or credit card linked to your PAN is reported here.
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Action: Visit official portals like CIBIL, Experian, or Equifax.
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What to look for: Any “Inquiries” or “Active Loan Accounts” that you do not recognize. Scammers often take small “micro-loans” of ₹5,000–₹10,000 that go unnoticed for months.
B. Analyze Form 26AS & AIS (Annual Information Statement)
This is your Tax Passbook. It records all high-value transactions, TDS (Tax Deducted at Source), and TCS linked to your PAN.
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Action: Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
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What to look for: If you see TDS deducted by an employer you never worked for, or high-value purchases (like jewelry or property) you didn’t make, your PAN is likely being used for money laundering or tax evasion.
C. Use the “Know Your Service Provider” Tool
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Action: Check the GST Portal or Income Tax portal to see if any businesses or GSTINs have been registered using your PAN without your knowledge.
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2. What To Do Next: The Reporting Protocol
If you find a discrepancy, “checking” isn’t enough. You must create a legal paper trail to protect yourself from future liability.
| Step | Action Item | Where to Go |
| Step 1 | File a Cyber FIR | [suspicious link removed] or call 1930. |
| Step 2 | Report to Income Tax Dept | Use the “Grievance” tab on the e-filing portal or TIN-NSDL customer care. |
| Step 3 | Alert Credit Bureaus | Raise a “Dispute” on CIBIL/Experian to remove the fake loan from your record. |
| Step 4 | Notify Your Bank | Inform your primary bank to flag your PAN for “Enhanced Monitoring.” |
3. Warning: The “PAN 2.0” Phishing Scam
In early 2026, the Government issued a high alert regarding a Fake PAN 2.0 scam. Fraudsters are sending SMS/WhatsApp messages claiming your PAN will be deactivated on January 1, 2026, unless you “verify” your details via a provided link.
Important: Never click on links claiming to “Update KYC” or “Prevent Deactivation.” Always use the official incometax.gov.in portal for any updates.
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