Currently, PAN cards cannot be locked like debit or credit cards. To protect against misuse, you must rely on immediate action and regular monitoring. If your PAN card is lost or stolen, or if you suspect it is being misused, you should immediately file a Lost Article Report or FIR with the police.
You should also:
- Regularly check your credit score and Form 26A to monitor all transactions linked to your PAN.
- Notify the Income Tax Department of any suspected misuse through their e-filing portal.
- Apply for a duplicate PAN card through the official NSDL or UTIITSL websites.