PAN Fraud Alert: Someone Took a Loan Using Your PAN? Here’s How to Find Out Easily

In today’s digital world, a PAN card has become essential for almost every financial activity—banking, loans, investments, and KYC. But because of this widespread use, PAN misuse and identity fraud cases are also increasing rapidly.

In many situations, people realize something is wrong only when:

• A bank suddenly calls about a loan

• A loan application gets rejected

• Their credit score drops unexpectedly

The good news is that you don’t need any insider contacts to check this. With a few routine checks, you can easily find out whether any loan has been taken in your name using your PAN.

Check Your Credit Report for Hidden Loans

Every loan taken using your PAN—whether it’s a personal loan, credit card, education loan, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), or app-based microloan—appears in your credit history.

In India, you are entitled to one free credit report every year from any authorized credit bureau, such as:

• TransUnion CIBIL

• Experian India

• Equifax India

• CRIF High Mark

After downloading the report, go straight to the Accounts or Credit Facilities section.
This section lists all loans and credit cards linked to your PAN.

If you spot any loan you don’t recognize, immediately note:

• The lender’s name

• Loan start date

• Outstanding amount

These details will be important for further action.

Don’t Ignore the “Inquiry” Section

Even if a loan wasn’t approved, the loan application itself leaves a mark.
Check the Inquiry / Credit Check section of your credit report.

If you see multiple inquiries from banks or apps you’ve never contacted, it’s often an early warning sign that your PAN details are being misused.

One or two incorrect inquiries can happen by mistake—but a repeated pattern is a red flag.

Watch for Sudden Changes in Your Credit Score

A sharp fall in your credit score without any clear reason should never be ignored.
New loans, missed EMIs, or frequent loan inquiries can all reduce your score.

If your spending habits haven’t changed but your score has, don’t wait—assume something needs checking.

Check SMS and Email Alerts Carefully

Banks and NBFCs usually send SMS or email alerts when:

• A loan account is created

• An EMI becomes due

Many people miss these messages because they look generic or land in spam folders.

Search your inbox and SMS history using keywords like loan, EMI, due, credit.
Even one unfamiliar alert deserves attention.

Found a Loan That Isn’t Yours? Do These 3 Things Immediately

1. Raise a Dispute with the Credit Bureau
Use the online dispute option and mark the loan as “Not Mine” or “Fraud.”
This creates an official record.

2. Contact the Lender Directly
Reach out to the bank or app listed in the report. Ask for details of the KYC documents used and flag the account as identity misuse. Always follow up in writing.

3. File a Cyber Crime Complaint
PAN misuse is considered identity fraud.
File a complaint on the Indian Cyber Crime Portal.
Having a complaint number strengthens your case with both lenders and credit bureaus.

Prevent Further Damage

If you believe the misuse may continue, request a temporary credit freeze or credit alert from the credit bureau. This makes it very difficult for anyone to take a new loan in your name without extra verification.

One Simple Habit That Helps

Check your credit report at least once a year, even if you don’t plan to take a loan.
It’s the most reliable way to know what financial accounts exist in your name.

PAN misuse can be stressful—but when caught early, it can be fixed. Silence and delay are what turn a small issue into a big problem.