PAN card fraud is becoming a serious issue, with recent reports highlighting how easily a person’s financial identity can be stolen. Two similar cases in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka have brought this to light.
In Uttar Pradesh, a grocery shop owner in Bulandshahr was shocked to receive a ₹141 crore tax notice. He discovered that his PAN card had been used to fraudulently register six companies in Delhi. He had already informed tax authorities about his lack of connection to these firms after a similar notice in 2022, but the new, larger notice has led to a police investigation.
Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, a woman filed a complaint after her husband’s PAN card was used to generate fake GST registrations and conduct transactions worth ₹43 crore. The fraud was uncovered by their family auditor during a routine tax filing. Police are now investigating how the PAN details were accessed and exploited.
These cases are clear examples of how PAN card misuse can create serious financial and legal problems. Fraudsters use stolen PAN details to open bank accounts, create shell companies, and avoid taxes. Victims often find out only when they receive an unexpected notice from the Income Tax Department.
To protect yourself, experts recommend regularly monitoring your credit report and linking your PAN with your Aadhaar. This adds a layer of security that can help prevent such fraudulent activities.