PAN Security Check
Verify if your PAN number has been compromised in data breaches
🔐 PAN Breach Checker
Understanding How It Works & Keeping Your PAN Secure
🔍 How This Code Works
This is a WordPress plugin that checks if your PAN number has been compromised in data breaches. Here’s how it works step-by-step
User Input
You enter your PAN number in the format AAAAA1111A (5 letters, 4 numbers, 1 letter) in a web form.
Validation
JavaScript checks if your PAN follows the correct format before proceeding.
Hashing (Security)
Your PAN is converted into a SHA-256 hash (a scrambled code) in your browser.
Database Check
Only the hash is sent to the server to check against a database of compromised PAN hashes.
Result Display
You get a result: either “breached” or “not breached in any known data breach”
🔒 Security Feature
Your actual PAN number never leaves your browser! It’s converted to a hash first, which is like a digital fingerprint that can’t be reversed back to your original PAN.
🛡️ How to Secure Your PAN Card
🚫
Never Share Publicly
Don’t post photos of your PAN card on social media or share it in public forums. Cover your PAN number in photos.
🔒
Share Only When Necessary
Only provide your PAN to legitimate financial institutions, employers, or government agencies when legally required.
📱
Use Digital Copies Wisely
Store digital copies in password-protected folders. Delete them from your phone/email once you’ve used them for their purpose.
🏦
Verify Requests
Always verify the legitimacy of PAN requests. Banks and government agencies have specific procedures – call them directly to confirm.
👀
Monitor Your Credit
Regularly check your credit reports and bank statements for unauthorized transactions or accounts opened in your name.
🗂️
Secure Physical Storage
Keep physical PAN cards in a secure place like a safe or locked drawer. Don’t carry it in your wallet unless needed.
⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if someone asks for your PAN via:
Phone calls claiming to be from banks
Emails asking for “verification”
Text messages with urgent requests
Suspicious websites or forms
Door-to-door agents
✅ What to Do If Your PAN is Compromised
Contact Income Tax Department
Report the compromise to the IT department immediately and consider applying for a new PAN if necessary.
Monitor Your Accounts
Check all your bank accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts for unauthorized activities.
Alert Financial Institutions
Inform your banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions about the potential compromise.
File Complaints
Report identity theft to cyber crime cells and file complaints with relevant authorities if you notice misuse.
💡 Pro Tip
Consider using services like CIBIL to monitor your credit score regularly. Any sudden changes could indicate identity theft or misuse of your PAN.