In recent times, a new wave of financial fraud has emerged in India β misuse of PAN cards for fake GST registrations. This alarming trend is putting innocent individuals at serious risk of legal and financial consequences.
Letβs break down whatβs happening, how to check if you're affected, and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
π Whatβs the New PAN-GST Fraud?
Scammers are using people's Permanent Account Numbers (PAN) to fraudulently obtain GST registrationsβwithout the PAN holder's knowledge or consent.
These fraudulent registrations are then used to:
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Issue bogus invoices
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Claim illegal Input Tax Credit (ITC)
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Evade taxes
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Operate shell companies involved in illicit activities
β οΈ Why Is This So Serious?
If your PAN is used for fake GST registrations, you could face severe consequences, even if youβre not involved. These include:
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Tax department notices and audits
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Frozen bank accounts
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Legal troubles and police FIRs
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Damaged credit score (CIBIL, etc.)
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Months of stress and time spent clearing your name
π How to Check If Your PAN Is Misused:
Follow these steps to stay vigilant:
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Visit the official GST portal: www.gst.gov.in
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Click on "Search Taxpayer" > "Search by PAN"
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Enter your PAN number
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Review the list of GST registrations linked to your PAN
If you see any unknown businesses β it's a red flag.
π What to Do If Your PAN Is Misused
Act quickly if you suspect misuse. Here's your action plan:
1. Register a Complaint on the GST Portal
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Visit π https://selfservice.gstsystem.in
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Use the PAN search tool to identify fraudulent GSTINs
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Select suspicious registrations and click βReportβ
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Fill in your details (Email, Mobile, DOB, Address) and submit
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Youβll receive an ARN (Acknowledgement Reference Number) for each GSTIN reported
2. File a Complaint on Cybercrime Portal
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Visit π https://cybercrime.gov.in
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Lodge a formal complaint under identity theft/fraud
3. Notify the Jurisdictional GST Officer
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Submit a written complaint requesting cancellation of fraudulent GSTINs
4. File a Police FIR
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If needed, report the misuse to your local police and inform the GST Department
π‘οΈ How to Protect Your PAN in the Future
Take preventive steps to guard your identity:
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Never share PAN photocopies with unverified agents or unknown websites
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Regularly check GST portal for unauthorized registrations
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Monitor your credit score via CIBIL, Experian, or Equifax
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Enable SMS/Email alerts for any credit or tax activity linked to your PAN
π’ Spread the Word β Protect Yourself and Others
This scam is affecting lakhs of Indians β from salaried individuals to business owners. Awareness is your first line of defense.
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Share this post with friends, family, and your community
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Follow Dhan Shiksha for more tips on financial literacy, fraud protection, and smart money habits
Stay alert. Stay protected.
Your PAN is powerful β donβt let scammers misuse it.
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