PAN Card Scams Exposed: How Fraudsters Are Stealing Your Hard Earned Money Using Your Identity

PAN card fraud is on the rise, with scammers using stolen details to open fake bank accounts, apply for loans, and conduct illegal transactions—leaving innocent individuals in financial and legal trouble. Many people unknowingly expose their PAN details online, making them easy targets for cybercriminals. Fraudsters misuse PAN numbers for tax evasion, SIM card fraud, and even money laundering. In this article, we will uncover how PAN fraud happens, real-life cases, and how you can protect your identity from scammers.

According to US cybersecurity company Entrust's research report on identity fraud trends in 2025, India's Permanent Account Number (PAN) card has emerged as the most targeted document for forgery and misuse. The report found that over 27% of all cases involving identity and tax document fraud featured counterfeit PAN cards, the highest among all countries.

But what to do?

Understanding PAN Card Scams

A PAN card is a unique identification number assigned to every individual, business, or entity in India. It tracks income and financial transactions, making it an essential document for filing taxes, opening bank accounts, and investing in stocks or mutual funds. However, the very nature of this document, with its linkage to various financial services, makes it a prime target for cybercriminals.

PAN card scams typically involve illegally acquiring or misusing an individual’s PAN card details for fraudulent activities. Cybercriminals can exploit the data in a variety of ways, from identity theft to committing financial fraud. These crimes range from filing false tax returns to taking out loans in the victim’s name.

That’s why it is crucial to keep your PAN card updated with accurate information to avoid potential misuse and ensure smooth financial transactions. An updated PAN helps you maintain correct records for tax purposes and prevents the risk of identity theft or fraud. Keeping your details current also ensures that any important communications from financial institutions or government bodies reach you without issues.

To ensure the security and accuracy of your PAN details, you can always visit trusted websites like Protean eGov Technologies Limited, which provides secure platforms for updating and managing your PAN card information.

How PAN Card Details Can Be Misused

Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to steal personal information for identity theft, financial fraud, etc. An active PAN linked to your name, birth date, address, etc, serves as a gateway to commit various scams. Here are some ways fraudsters can misuse your PAN details:

●     Opening a bank account to receive payments from illegal activities

●     Obtaining loans or credit cards to make purchases with no intention of repaying

●     Filing fake tax returns to claim tax refunds

●     Linking it to a shell company used to launder money

●     Combining it with other stolen data to construct a fake identity and commit fraud

If your PAN is linked to any financial crime without your knowledge, you may receive income tax notices, face investigations, or be arrested. Hence, safeguarding your PAN is critical.

Recent PAN Card Scams

Here are some of the  latest tech-enabled PAN card scams that citizens should stay alert about:

●     Fake PAN update KYC scam: You may receive text messages with links asking you to update your PAN card KYC by filling out an e-form. The link leads to a fake government website that steals all PAN and personal details once you input them.

●     PAN e-verification scam: Fraudsters send emails and texts asking you to verify PAN card details through a provided link to avoid suspension. The webpage it leads to can infect your device with malware or steal confidential data you enter.

●     Fake blocking notice scam: Scammers may send messages that your PAN has been blocked due to suspicious activities. They provide a number to call and extract money or PAN data from worried targets.

●     Rogue agents and cyber cafes steal PAN details: Dishonest agents and staff misuse access to upload your documents to steal PAN, Aadhaar, etc., for illegal usage.

How to Protect Your PAN Details From Misuse

Follow these tips to save your PAN details from fraud:

●     Never share photocopies of PAN cards freely or upload them online unless necessary while following security protocols.

●     Do not share PAN details, OTPs, or personal information via SMS/WhatsApp or unverified calls/emails.

●     Use the official Income Tax Department portal or Protean eGov Technologies Limited website to check your PAN status.

●     Keep PAN information confidential instead of storing it openly, even around family.

●     Set login passwords on government portals using PAN. Update them regularly.

●     Check credit reports annually for unauthorised transactions or loans using your PAN.

●     Register your mobile number correctly against your PAN Card to receive official alerts about changes.

●     Avoid using cybercafes to upload confidential documents. If unavoidable, stay vigilant if they use your data.

●     To reduce fraud, link your PAN with Aadhaar by the stipulated deadline. This allows biometric authentication for PAN transactions.

Conclusion

If left unchecked, PAN fraud can severely impact your finances, credit record, and legal standing. While the Income Tax Department is reining in fake PANs, citizens must remain vigilant of the latest PAN scams. Protect your PAN details proactively using the tips provided above. Stay alert about calls, texts or emails related to PAN verification or KYC updates – these often act as phishing hooks to steal your data. Exercise caution while sharing personal information to avoid PAN misuse. Report any suspected PAN frauds or threats immediately.

FAQs

1. What precautions should I take while sharing my PAN details?

You should never freely share photocopies of your PAN or upload scans online. Only share details when required with trusted websites using secure protocols. Do not disclose PAN or OTPs via calls, SMS, or WhatsApp without verifying credentials. You should also set login passwords on government portals using your PAN.

2. How can I check if my PAN is linked to any fraud?

If your PAN is linked to any financial crime or scam without your knowledge, you may get Income Tax notices regarding discrepancies. You can also check your credit report annually for any unauthorised loans or transactions made using your PAN details without approval.

3. What is the PAN e-verification scam?

This involves receiving emails or texts asking you to verify your PAN details through a provided link to avoid suspension. Failing this, the link will be blocked. The fake website either infects your device with malware or steals confidential data you enter, believing it is legitimate.

4. How can I safeguard my PAN card from misuse?

You can safeguard your PAN details by not sharing them freely offline or online, being alert about verification calls/emails/texts that are phishing ploys, using strong passwords on government portals linked to them, monitoring credit reports annually, and linking them to Aadhaar by the deadline for added security.

Source:https://www.entrust.com/sites/default/files/documentation/reports/2025-identity-fraud-report.pdf

Disclaimer: This article is published in association with Protean and not created by TNM Editorial.