In today's digital age, cybercrime is becoming extremely common. One such form of cybercrime is PAN card misuse. A PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is a unique ten-digit alphanumeric identifier that is issued by the Indian Income Tax Department to individuals, companies, and firms. It is an essential document for financial transactions and filing tax returns.
However, it is also a valuable tool for fraudsters to commit identity theft, financial fraud, and other illegal activities. Here are some tips that can help you avoid PAN card misuse and protect yourself from cyber fraud.
Tips to prevent PAN card fraud
Keep your PAN card safe
The first and foremost step to avoid PAN card misuse is to keep your PAN card safe. Do not share your PAN card details with anyone unless it is necessary.
Verify the legitimacy of requests for your PAN card details
If you receive a request for your PAN card details, verify the legitimacy of the request. Do not share the details with anyone over the phone or email unless you are sure that the request is genuine. Be cautious of phishing emails or phone calls from fraudsters posing as government officials or financial institutions.
Do not share your PAN card details on unsecured websites
When making online transactions or filling up forms, make sure you are on a secure website that uses encryption to protect your data. Do not share your PAN card details on unsecured websites or platforms that are vulnerable to hacking.
Do not save your PAN card details on your phone or computer
Avoid saving your PAN card details on your phone or computer. If your device gets hacked or stolen, your PAN card details could be compromised. Instead, keep your PAN card details on a physical copy and store them in a secure place.
Regularly check your bank and credit card statements
Regularly checking your bank and credit card statements can help you detect any fraudulent activities. If you notice any suspicious transactions, report them immediately to your bank or your credit card company.
Look for an easy PAN card replacement facility
In case you lose your PAN card, there is a subscription plan that offers the facility to replace it easily. Through Bajaj Finance get a CPP comprehensive wallet care protection plan that covers the loss or theft of your credit/debit cards, including the facility of PAN card replacement.
Subscription plan offering PAN card replacement benefit
You can opt for the CPP Wallet Care plan available at the Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall. This provides the facility to replace your PAN card in case it is lost or stolen. It is available at a nominal fee of Rs. 699 it also provides complimentary coverage up to Rs. 2 lakh for credit/debit card fraud.
The plan provides coverage up to 12 months and provides other benefits such as blocking all your lost cards, emergency travel and hotel assistance, and fraud protection. You can also avail of additional benefits like an annual subscription to ZEE5, mobile SIM card blocking facility, and protection against PIN-based fraud, phishing, and tele-phishing.
By getting the CPP Wallet Care plan, you can have peace of mind knowing that your PAN card can easily be replaced in case of any mishap.
Disclaimer: Bajaj Finance Ltd. (BFL) is merely a distributor of CPP Wallet Care plan, owned by subscription Service providersCPP Assistance Service Pvt. Ltd. (CPP). Issuance of the product is at sole discretion of the CPP. The product shall be governed by CPP’s product T&C’s and BFL does NOT hold any responsibility for the issuance, quality, serviceability, maintenance, and any claims post-sale. For more detailed terms and conditions and exclusions please read the product sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale. URN No. ADVT/NR/23/276
