Hack of the Day: How to See Whether an Unauthorized Loan Is Linked to Your PAN Card

For many Indians, a PAN card quietly sits inside a wallet or a phone folder and comes out only when a form or bank asks for it. But behind that small card is your entire financial identity. Every loan, credit card, investment, and high-value transaction is linked to your PAN. This also means that if your PAN details fall into the wrong hands, they can be misused without you even realising it.

In many cases, people find out only after receiving repayment calls, legal notices, or noticing a sudden and unexplained drop in their credit score. By then, the damage is already done.

Why This Check Is More Important Than Ever

With the rise of digital lending platforms and instant loan approvals, financial fraud has become faster and easier. A simple misuse of PAN details can result in loans being taken in your name without consent. Regularly checking what is linked to your PAN allows you to catch such issues early, dispute them in time, and protect your financial reputation.

Your Credit Report Is the First Line of Defence

The most reliable way to track loans and credit cards linked to your PAN is through your credit report. All banks, NBFCs, and digital lenders report borrowing details to credit bureaus. These records are consolidated into one report that reflects your complete credit history.

Credit bureaus such as CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark offer one free credit report every year. By entering your PAN and basic personal details on their official websites, you can download the report and review it carefully. If you spot any unfamiliar loan, credit card, or lender name, it should be treated as a warning sign.

Fintech Apps Make Monitoring Effortless

For those who want an easier and more visual way to track credit activity, fintech apps offer a smart solution. Apps like OneScore, Paytm, and Cred pull data directly from authorised credit bureaus and present it in a simplified dashboard.

These apps are ideal for ongoing monitoring. They show active loans, credit limits, repayment history, and often send alerts when new credit activity is linked to your PAN, helping you stay informed in real time.

Add a Government-Backed Verification Layer

Another useful tool is DigiLocker, which allows users to access their Central KYC (CKYC) records. CKYC stores verified financial identity information linked to your PAN. Reviewing this data helps confirm whether any financial account has been opened without your approval.

While CKYC may not display complete loan details, it acts as an extra layer of verification when something feels suspicious.

Red Flags That Need Immediate Attention

Unfamiliar lenders, loans originating from cities you have never lived in, or a sudden dip in your credit score without any major financial activity are all serious warning signs. These often appear before the problem escalates, giving you a chance to act quickly.

Make PAN Safety a Routine Habit

Protecting your PAN starts with small but consistent steps. Avoid sharing your PAN on unsecured websites or with unknown agents. Enable SMS and email alerts for any credit approvals from banks and lenders. Most importantly, make it a habit to check your credit report at least twice a year.

In today’s digital financial system, awareness is your strongest defence. Spending just a few minutes monitoring what’s linked to your PAN can save you from months of stress and financial trouble later. That’s today’s Hack of the Day.