How to Identify Fake PAN Card Number?

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Imagine this: you apply for a loan, and suddenly, your application gets rejected due to a bad credit score. You’re shocked, as you’ve always been responsible with your finances. Upon further investigation, you discover someone used a fake PAN card with your details! Talk about a financial nightmare! As Indians, we all have seen many cases where people fall victim to financial fraud due to a fake PAN card number. In this blog post, we will explore what a fake PAN card number is, how it can be misused, how to identify it, and most importantly, how to protect yourself from it.

What is a PAN Card All About?

PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a unique identification number assigned to every taxpayer in India. It is a 10-digit alphanumeric code that is used for all financial transactions. However, with the increase in the usage of PAN numbers, the instances of fake PAN card numbers have also been increasing. A fake PAN card number is a PAN number that is not valid or is not issued by the Income Tax Department.

What is a Fake PAN Card Number?

A fake PAN card number is a PAN number that is not issued by the Income Tax Department. It is created by fraudsters to carry out illegal activities such as tax evasion, money laundering, and identity theft. A fake PAN card number can also be used to open bank accounts, apply for loans, and carry out other financial transactions.

Also, Read: PAN Card Correction/Update Online : Step By Step Guide

How People Can Misuse Your PAN Card?

If someone has access to your PAN card number, they can use it to carry out various illegal activities.

For example, they can use your PAN card number to open a bank account in your name, apply for loans or credit cards, or even file false income tax returns. They can also use your PAN card number to carry out illegal transactions or transfer money to other accounts.

These can be used for illegal activities like

1. Tax Evasion: Fraudsters use fake PAN cards to avoid paying taxes, leaving you potentially liable for their misdeeds.

2. Identity Theft: With your PAN details, criminals can open bank accounts, take loans, or make fraudulent transactions in your name, damaging your credit score and finances.

3. Money Laundering: Black money gets “cleaned” by routing it through fake PAN linked accounts, putting you at risk of legal trouble.

How to Identify a Fake PAN Card?

One of the easiest ways to identify a fake PAN card is to check whether it is valid or not. You can do this by visiting the Income Tax Department website and entering your PAN card number. If your PAN card is valid, it will show up on the website. If it is not valid, it means that your PAN card is fake.

Another way to identify a fake PAN card is to check the spelling of your name. If there are any spelling mistakes or the name is not spelled correctly, it could be a fake PAN card. You should also check the signature on your PAN card. If the signature is missing or does not match your signature, it could be a fake PAN card.

How to Check if Your PAN Card is Getting Misused

To validate your Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, follow these steps on the Income Tax Department’s website:

STEP 1: Initially, navigate to the official website of the Income Tax Department.
STEP 2: Choose the “Verify Your PAN” option.

STEP 3: Clicking this will direct you to a new webpage.
STEP 4: At this stage, you are required to enter your mobile number, date of birth, and PAN details.

STEP 5: Next, verify if the information provided by the income tax department corresponds with your records.
STEP 6: Conclusively, this process will confirm the authenticity of your PAN card.

How Does a Fake PAN Card Affect the Credit Score?

A fake PAN card can have a negative impact on your credit score. If someone uses your PAN card to apply for a loan or credit card and fails to repay the debt, it will reflect on your credit report. This could lead to a lower credit score and make it difficult for you to get loans or credit in the future.

Detecting and Preventing PAN Card Fraud

PAN card fraud may not be immediately noticeable, unlike other financial scams where bank alerts quickly indicate unauthorized transactions. This type of fraud can negatively impact your credit score, especially if loans are taken out in your name, leading to higher interest rates for future loans. Here’s how to check for PAN card misuse and steps for reporting and preventing fraud:

Also, Read: Check PAN Card Application Status Online: NSDL and UTIITSL Portal

Checking for Fraud:

1. Credit Score Review: Use bureaus like CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, or CRIF High Mark to monitor your credit score regularly. These platforms offer free basic checks and more detailed reports through paid memberships.

2. Form 26AS Inspection: An annual tax statement from the income tax department that details your financial transactions based on your PAN. It helps identify any unauthorized use of your PAN number. Access it through the TRACES website or your bank’s net banking service.

How do I Report My fake PAN card number fraud?

Reporting fraud, particularly in the context of PAN card fraud, is a crucial step in protecting your financial identity and rectifying any damage that might have been caused by unauthorized use of your PAN. When you discover or suspect that your PAN card has been misused—for example, if loans have been taken out in your name without your knowledge or if there are unknown transactions affecting your credit score—it’s essential to report this to the authorities to initiate an investigation and mitigate the impact on your financial health. Here’s how to report PAN card fraud in detail:

Step 1: Visit the TIN NSDL Website

TIN NSDL (Tax Information Network of the National Securities Depository Limited) is the official platform for handling various tax-related services and complaints, including PAN card issues.

• Navigate to the official portal of TIN NSDL to access the resources for reporting fraud.

Step 2: Access the Customer Care Section

Once on the TIN NSDL website, look for the ‘Customer Care’ option in the menu. This section is designed to assist users with queries, complaints, and issues related to tax and PAN services.

Step 3: Submit a Complaint

From the ‘Customer Care’ menu, select “Complaints/Queries” to access the complaint submission form.

You will be presented with a form that requires various details related to your complaint. This includes information about the nature of the fraud, any specific transactions that were unauthorized, and personal identification details to help the authorities investigate the issue.

Fill out this form as accurately and completely as possible. Providing detailed information will aid in the investigation and resolution of your complaint.

Step 4: Submit the Form

After filling out the complaint form, review the information to ensure accuracy and completeness, then click on the “Submit” button.
This action officially logs your complaint with the TIN NSDL, and they will take the necessary steps to investigate the matter.

Additional Steps:

Follow-Up: After submitting your complaint, it’s important to follow up periodically. Keep a record of your complaint number for reference.

File a Police Report: For serious fraud cases, filing a police report may be necessary. This provides an official record of the incident and can be crucial for legal proceedings or to dispute fraudulent transactions.

Also, Read: How to Change Mobile Number in PAN Card

Importance of Reporting Fraud:

Reporting PAN card fraud promptly is vital for several reasons:

1. Stops Further Misuse: It helps in taking immediate action to prevent further unauthorized use of your PAN.

2. Initiates Investigation: It triggers an investigation by the authorities to catch the fraudsters.

3. Credit Score Protection: By reporting fraud, you can work with credit bureaus to correct your credit score, removing the impact of fraudulent activities.

4. Legal Protection: Filing a complaint provides you with legal documentation of the fraud, which can be essential for resolving disputes and reclaiming your identity.

By understanding and following these steps, you can effectively report PAN card fraud and take a critical step towards safeguarding your financial identity and well-being.

7 Prevention Tips:

1. Use PAN sparingly, opting for other IDs like driver’s licenses or voter IDs when possible.

2. Avoid sharing detailed personal information on unverified online platforms.

3. Ensure no extra copies of your PAN card are made. Sign and date any photocopies to prevent misuse.

4. Regularly check your financial activities through Form 26AS for discrepancies.

5. Keep monitoring your credit score to detect any unauthorized loans or credit cards.

6. Remove PAN card details from your phone to reduce exposure.

7. Prompt Action: If you suspect your PAN is compromised, report it immediately to the Income Tax Department and relevant financial institutions.

The digital world makes handling money easier but also comes with problems like fake PAN cards. It’s important to be careful and aware to stay safe. Knowing about fake PAN cards, how they can be misused, and how to protect your money is crucial. Let’s be smart and careful in the digital age to keep our money safe and grow it wisely.

Let us know if you have had any similar instances in your life in the comment section below!

FAQs:

1. How Can I Find Out if My PAN Card Number is not Genuine?

To determine whether your PAN card is authentic or not, check for the QR code. Starting from July 2018, all PAN cards issued have a QR code due to rising cases of fraud. This QR code helps in distinguishing genuine PAN cards from fake ones.

2. Who Can Check if Your PAN Card is Valid?

The following entities can verify PAN online:

• Financial institutions: Banks, insurance companies, and mutual funds.
• Investment firms: SEBI-approved investment advisors and registered companies filing tax returns.
• Other regulated entities: Nonbanking financial companies and insurance repositories.

3. Do I Need to Link my PAN Card and Aadhaar Number?

Yes, linking your PAN with your Aadhaar card is mandatory in India. This requirement helps streamline processes like filing income tax returns and prevents tax evasion. The deadline for linking these two cards has already passed, so it’s important to complete this step as soon as possible to avoid any complications.