look news india
News India Live, Digital Desk: Cyber Crime : In today’s digital era, our PAN Card is not just a card but is the proof of our complete financial identity. From opening a bank account to taking a loan, investing and filing ITR, it is required everywhere. We often give its photocopy or number everywhere without thinking. But do you know that this small carelessness of yours can cost you a lot?
Fraudsters and hackers are looking for this opportunity. By misusing your PAN card information, they can take a fake loan in your name, get a credit card made, or even open a bank account in your name for illegal activities. You don’t even get a clue of this fraud and one day suddenly you get a call from the bank that your loan installment is pending. By then your CIBIL score is ruined and you get trapped in a huge debt.
Therefore, it is very important that you are careful about your PAN card and keep checking from time to time that it is not being misused.
How to know whether your PAN card is secure or not?
It is very easy to locate and you do not need to go anywhere for this. You can check this from your phone itself. The best way is to check your credit report or CIBIL report. This report is your complete financial horoscope, which contains information about every loan and credit card running in your name.
Check your credit report for free like this:
- You go to the website of any credit bureau like CIBIL, Experian, or Equifax. Many banking and financial apps also provide this facility for free.
- There select an option like ‘Check Free Credit Score’ or ‘Get Free Credit Report’.
- Fill general information like your name, date of birth, PAN card number and mobile number.
- An OTP will come on your mobile, enter it and confirm your identity.
- Bus! Your complete credit report will be in front of you.
Now read this report carefully. In this, see in the ‘Accounts’ section which loans or credit cards are running in your name. If you see any loan or card that you have not taken, then understand that you have become a victim of fraud.
What to do if you notice an error?
- Complain immediately: In case of any such fraud, first of all go to the Income Tax Department portal and lodge a complaint. You can send your complaint by visiting TIN NSDL website.
- Tell the police: Along with this, immediately report this fraud to your nearest police station or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal of the Government of India (cybercrime.gov.in).
- Contact Bank/Company: Immediately inform the bank or company in whose name the fake loan is appearing by email or phone about this fraud.
Remember, caution is the best protection. Do not share your PAN card or any important document with any unknown person.