PAN Misuse Alert: How to Check if Someone Took a Loan in Your Name and What to Do Next

Many people in India remain unaware that their PAN details may be misused until a bank calls, a loan application gets rejected, or their credit score suddenly drops. With the rise of digital lending and easy online KYC, identity misuse cases are becoming more common. The good news is that you don’t need insider contacts to verify this. A few simple checks can quickly reveal whether any loan has been taken using your PAN.

Every loan linked to your PAN should appear in your credit history—whether it is a personal loan, credit card, education loan, buy-now-pay-later facility, or even small app-based microloans. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you stay protected.

Start With Your Free Credit Report

In India, you are entitled to one free credit report annually from any registered credit bureau such as TransUnion CIBIL. After downloading the report, go directly to the “Accounts” or “Credit Facilities” section.

This section lists all loans and credit cards linked to your PAN. If you notice any unfamiliar account, immediately note these three details:

• Name of the lender

• Loan start date

• Outstanding amount

These details will be crucial if you need to raise a dispute later.

Don’t Ignore the Inquiry Section

Even if a fraudulent loan was not approved, the application attempt usually leaves a footprint. In your credit report, review the “Inquiry” or “Credit Check” section carefully.

If you see multiple loan inquiries from banks or apps you never contacted, it could be an early warning sign that your PAN details are being misused or circulated.

A single unfamiliar inquiry may be an error. However, repeated unknown checks often indicate a pattern that should not be ignored.

Watch for Sudden Credit Score Drops

An unexplained fall in your credit score is a major red flag. New loans, missed EMIs, or frequent credit inquiries can all drag your score down.

If your spending habits haven’t changed but your score has dropped, assume something needs investigation. Also review any bank messages you may have overlooked—many lenders send SMS or email alerts when a loan account is opened or an EMI becomes due.

Check Your SMS and Email History

Search your inbox and SMS history using keywords such as:

• EMI

• Loan approved

• Disbursed

• Credit limit

Sometimes fraud alerts hide in plain sight because the sender name appears generic or the message lands in spam. Even one unfamiliar EMI alert deserves attention.

Found a Suspicious Loan? Take These 3 Steps Immediately

If you discover a loan that isn’t yours, act quickly to limit the damage.

1. Raise a Dispute With the Credit Bureau

Use the online dispute option of your credit bureau and mark the loan as “Not Mine” or “Fraud.” This creates an official record and starts the verification process.

2. Contact the Lender Directly

Reach out to the lender named in your report. Ask for the KYC documents used to open the loan and request that the account be flagged as identity misuse. Always follow up in writing via email for documentation.

3. File a Complaint on the Cybercrime Portal

PAN misuse is treated as identity fraud. Filing a complaint on the national cybercrime portal strengthens your case with both lenders and credit bureaus. Keep the complaint number safely.

Consider Freezing Your Credit

If you suspect ongoing misuse, you can request a temporary credit freeze or alert through the credit bureau. This adds an extra verification layer and makes it difficult for anyone to take a new loan in your name without approval.

Why PAN Misuse Happens

Your PAN copy is widely shared for jobs, investments, KYC, and routine paperwork. Often, fraud does not involve sophisticated hacking. Many cases arise from leaked or carelessly shared documents that are quietly reused.

A Simple Habit That Can Save You

Check your credit report at least once a year—even if you have no plans to borrow. It is the most reliable way to know what financial accounts exist in your name.

PAN misuse can be stressful, but early detection makes resolution much easier. Ignoring warning signs or delaying action can allow a small issue to snowball into a major financial problem. Stay alert, review regularly, and act fast if something looks suspicious.