How to check if someone has taken a loan using your PAN card without your knowledge

PAN Card

In India, your PAN card functions as a universal financial identifier. Every major loan, credit card, and line of credit is tied to it. While this system simplifies lending, it also creates a serious risk. If your PAN details fall into the wrong hands, loans can be taken out in your name without your knowledge. These cases often surface only when recovery agents call or when a credit score suddenly drops.

Regularly checking for unauthorised loans linked to your PAN is no longer optional. It is essential for protecting yourself against identity theft, avoiding long-term credit score damage, and catching fraud early before it escalates.

The most reliable way to verify loans linked to your PAN is by reviewing your credit report. Every bank, NBFC, and regulated digital lender reports credit activity to bureaus. If a loan exists in your name, it will show up there.

To access your credit report, visit the official websites of India’s credit bureaus such as TransUnion CIBIL, Experian India, Equifax India, or CRIF High Mark. You will need your PAN number and basic personal details. Each bureau allows one free credit report per year, and some allow more frequent access through partner platforms.

Once downloaded, review the report carefully. Look at the list of active and closed loans, the names of lenders, sanctioned amounts, and repayment status. Any account you do not recognise is a red flag and should be treated seriously.

Another convenient option is using fintech apps that aggregate credit bureau data. Apps like OneScore, Paytm, and Cred pull information directly from credit bureaus and present it in a simplified dashboard. These platforms make it easier to track loans linked to your PAN, monitor credit score changes, and receive alerts when new credit activity appears. While these apps do not replace official reports, they are useful for frequent monitoring.

You can also cross-check financial records through DigiLocker by accessing your CKYC data. CKYC, or Central KYC, stores financial account information linked to your PAN. Reviewing this data helps confirm whether any loan accounts were opened using your identity without consent.

While reviewing reports, certain warning signs should not be ignored. Loans from lenders you have never dealt with, accounts opened in cities where you have never lived, or sudden unexplained drops in your credit score often indicate unauthorised activity. Even a single unfamiliar account is enough to warrant immediate action.

Preventing future misuse is just as important as detection. Never share your PAN details on unsecured websites or with unknown agents. Avoid sending PAN copies over messaging apps unless absolutely necessary and always watermark documents when sharing digitally. Make it a habit to review your credit report at least twice a year, even if you believe everything is in order. Additionally, enable SMS and email alerts with your banks so you are notified instantly if any loan or credit application is made using your PAN.