Are You Sending PAN and Aadhaar on WhatsApp? Be Careful!

Sharing documents such as PAN cards, Aadhaar cards and bank statements is common when applying for loans, credit cards, property purchases or hotel bookings. However, sending these documents to an agent or employee’s personal WhatsApp number can expose sensitive information to misuse. Copies may be saved on personal phones or laptops, making it difficult to know where the data goes. Misuse of such information can lead to identity theft, unwanted communication and financial fraud.

India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act emphasises responsible collection and handling of personal data for a clear purpose. According to the RBI’s 2024-25 annual report, 23,953 banking fraud cases involving ₹36,014 crore were reported. To reduce risks, consumers should avoid sharing sensitive documents through personal WhatsApp numbers and instead use official websites, secure upload portals or authorised digital verification systems. They should also understand who is collecting their data, why it is needed and how it will be used.