The scam
Banks, lenders and other genuine organisations may need your PAN or Aadhaar details. But sending a copy to someone you do not know can expose personal information. Scammers may combine it with other stolen details to try to misuse your identity.
Warning signs
• Someone you do not recognise asks for a copy of your ID.
• You are told to send documents to a personal WhatsApp number or email.
• Someone asks for an Aadhaar OTP or verification code.
• Nobody can explain why the document is needed.
Stop and verify
First check that the request is genuine. Use the organisation’s official document-upload process. Where accepted, share a masked Aadhaar from UIDAI instead of the full number. You can mark a copy with the purpose and date if practical, but that alone cannot prevent misuse. Never share an Aadhaar OTP.
If you have already acted
• Stop sending further documents or codes until you verify the request.
• Contact the organisation directly and check why it asked for your details.
• If you fear misuse, review your credit report and check the security options available through UIDAI.
• Keep a record of what you shared, and report suspected identity fraud to the concerned organisation and cybercrime.gov.in.