Identity theft: loans taken on your stolen PAN and Aadhaar
Stolen KYC copies can be used to open loans in your name. Learn the warning signs and how to protect your credit report.
5 min read
What you need to know
Photocopies of PAN and Aadhaar shared with shops, hotels or unknown agents can be misused to open small digital loans, credit cards or buy-now-pay-later lines in your name. You discover it only when a recovery call comes or your CIBIL score drops.
Check your credit report from CIBIL, Experian, Equifax and CRIF at least twice a year. Any account you don't recognise should be disputed with the bureau and reported to the lender and police.
Lock your Aadhaar biometrics on the UIDAI website or mAadhaar app, use masked Aadhaar where possible, and write the purpose and date across any KYC photocopy you hand over.
If you have lost money, call the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 immediately and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. Inform your bank at once: under RBI's customer-liability rules, reporting an unauthorised electronic transaction within three working days generally limits your liability to zero when the fault lies with a third party. In Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai you can also visit the nearest police station or cyber police cell with your bank statement and screenshots.
Continue your research
Use this guide alongside our product details and eligibility criteria before choosing a lender.
Key points and practical checks
- Review all four credit bureau reports regularly
- Lock Aadhaar biometrics and use masked Aadhaar
- Sign and annotate every KYC copy with its purpose
- Dispute unknown accounts immediately
Frequently asked questions
What is the main takeaway from “Identity theft: loans taken on your stolen PAN and Aadhaar”?
Stolen KYC copies can be used to open loans in your name. Learn the warning signs and how to protect your credit report.
What should I check before acting on this banking & finance fraud guide?
Start with these checks: Review all four credit bureau reports regularly; Lock Aadhaar biometrics and use masked Aadhaar; Sign and annotate every KYC copy with its purpose. Your final eligibility, pricing and approval still depend on the lender’s assessment.
Can the information in this guide guarantee loan approval?
No. It is general educational information. A bank or NBFC makes the final decision after checking your credit profile, repayment capacity, documents and the applicable product policy.
How can iFINTRUST help after I read this guide?
An iFINTRUST advisor can review your requirement, explain the documents normally requested and help you compare suitable lending options before you apply.