Has a fake company been registered using your PAN card? Here’s how to check, following Income Tax Department revelations

PAN Card Fraud Alert: Upon turning 18, obtaining certain documents becomes necessary, and the PAN card is one of them. PAN cards are used not only for tax-related matters but also for opening bank accounts and conducting large financial transactions. However, cases of PAN card fraud do occur. Just imagine—what would you do if someone misused your PAN card to register a firm, a company, or obtain a GST registration?

Meanwhile, the Income Tax Department has initiated a nationwide probe into funds transferred abroad via suspicious channels over the last three years. The investigation focuses on companies and entities whose foreign transactions do not align with their business operations or earnings. In this context, verifying all details linked to your PAN card has become even more crucial.

Check for companies linked to your PAN here.

If you suspect that your PAN card has been misused, you can verify this yourself using simple methods. You can easily determine whether any GST registration exists against your PAN card via the GST Portal by following these simple steps:

First, visit the official GST Portal.
Next, go to the 'Services' section and select the 'Search Taxpayer' option.
Then, click on 'Search by PAN'.
Enter your PAN number and the captcha code.
You will then see details regarding any GST registration linked to your PAN.
If you see the name of a company or firm with which you have no association, there could be an issue.

Check on the Income Tax Portal as well

To do this, log in to your account on the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
Then, navigate to the 'e-File' section and select the option related to 'Income Tax Return'. Next, open Form 26AS and the Annual Information Statement (AIS).
Carefully review the entries related to income, financial transactions, and taxes.
If you come across any unfamiliar transactions, investigate them immediately.

Steps to take upon discovering the misuse of your PAN card:

If, during your review, you find a fake company, GST registration, or an unknown loan linked to your PAN, take immediate action.
First, file a complaint regarding the cyber fraud on the National Cyber ​​Crime Reporting Portal.
You can also report the cyber fraud by calling 1930 if necessary.
If you discover a fraudulent GST registration, report it immediately to the GST Portal helpdesk.
If the matter is serious, you can also file an FIR at your nearest police station.
Keep in mind that you should retain all relevant evidence when filing a complaint.