A PAN card is a very important document issued by the Government of India. The Income Tax Department uses it to identify a taxpayer and get insight into his financials. Thus, the tax details as well as the finances of a person can be tracked with the PAN card. Moreover, this card is also often used as proof of identity and date of birth.
However, lately, there has been a rise in misuse of PAN cards, where due to fraudulent activities, people have lost all their money or identity theft has occurred. So, to keep yourself safe from such scenarios and check and report PAN card fraud, keep reading this article.
A PAN card fraud means that someone has used your PAN card for criminal activities. It can be used to impersonate you as well. In most of the worst-case scenarios, misuse of your PAN card has turned towards financial crime.
Here are some examples of PAN card misuse:
Here are the steps you would need to follow to complain about PAN card fraud:
Step 1: Go to the official portal of the Tax Information Network.
Step 2: Move the cursor to the ‘Customer Care’ section in the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop-down, select ‘Complaints/Queries’.
Step 4: Fill up the details in the complaint form, write your complaint, enter the captcha, and click on ‘Submit’.
Here’s how you can check if your PAN card has been misused;
Step 1: Visit a credit bureau website to check your credit score.
Step 2: Search for the option to check your credit score.
Step 3: Enter your data, including your financial information.
Step 4: Verify the OTP sent to your phone.
Step 5: Your credit score will be on the screen. It will give you an idea of whether your PAN has been misused or not.
Make sure to regularly review your financial statements to keep a check on your transactions. You should contact the bank if you see any suspicious transactions.
Here are some ways in which you can avoid PAN card fraud:
You should keep your PAN details safe and secure to protect yourself from fraud. Stay alert about the possibilities of PAN card fraud. We have covered how these scams are done and how to avoid them. You can also contact your bank or the Income Tax authorities if required. Taking all the necessary precautions for the safety of your PAN card.
Related PAN Card Articles:
1. How To Download PAN Card online?
2. How To Apply And Download e Pan Card?
3. PAN Card Customer Care Number
4. How to Check Your PAN Application Status Online?
5. PAN Card Correction Online
6. How to Fill Pan Card Form 49A and 49AA?
7. What Happens If Pan Card Is Not Linked To Aadhaar Card?
A PAN card is a crucial document in India used by the Income Tax Department to identify taxpayers and track their financial activities. Misuse of PAN cards has been on the rise, leading to fraud and identity theft. To protect against such frauds, individuals should regularly monitor their transactions, check their credit scores, and ensure safe online practices.