Beware of e-PAN Card Scam! PAN 2.0 Download Email Could Be Fraudulent!

 

PAN 2.0 Fraud Alert: Don’t Fall for e-PAN Card Scam Emails!

Have you received an email claiming to help you download your e-PAN card under the new PAN 2.0 initiative? Be cautious! Scammers are exploiting this new initiative to trick unsuspecting individuals. These fraudulent emails often masquerade as official communication from the Income Tax Department. Here's what you need to know to stay safe.

What is PAN 2.0?

PAN 2.0 is a modernized version of the PAN card introduced by the Income Tax Department. This new card includes an enhanced QR code system to improve security and prevent fraud. While upgrading to PAN 2.0 is optional for current PAN cardholders, it offers several benefits like advanced protection against misuse.

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Beware of Fake Emails

The PIB Fact Check team has identified fraudulent schemes where scammers send fake emails claiming to assist with e-PAN card downloads. These emails often look legitimate but are designed to steal your personal information.

How Scammers Operate

Scammers use phishing techniques to deceive people. Phishing involves sending fake emails that mimic trusted organizations, such as financial institutions or government agencies. These emails typically contain links or attachments leading to malicious websites or programs.

The Income Tax Department has clarified that they never ask for personal information, PINs, passwords, or other sensitive details via email. Any such request should be treated as suspicious.

Safety Tips to Avoid Falling Victim

Follow these guidelines to protect yourself from phishing scams:

1. Don’t Respond to Suspicious Emails: Avoid replying to emails claiming to be from the Income Tax Department, especially those asking for sensitive information.

2. Don’t Open Attachments: Attachments in these emails may contain harmful software. Never download or open them.

3. Avoid Clicking on Links: Links in fraudulent emails often redirect you to fake websites. Don’t click on them, and avoid entering any personal or financial details.

4. Be Wary of Copy-Pasted Links: Scammers can disguise malicious links. Typing them manually or copy-pasting can still lead to fake websites.

5. Keep Your Devices Protected: Install and regularly update antivirus, anti-spyware, and firewall software to safeguard against malicious files.

How to Report Scams

If you encounter a suspicious email or website:

1. Report it to webmanager@incometax.gov.in and incident@cert-in.org.in.
2. Include the entire email or website link in your report.
3. For better investigation, include the email’s Internet header, which shows sender details.
4. Delete the suspicious email or message after reporting it.

Stay Vigilant

Scammers continuously devise new ways to exploit public trust. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and others from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. Remember, if something seems too good to be true or feels suspicious, trust your instincts and verify the information through official channels.

Stay safe and share this alert to help others avoid scams!

Related Link:

Beware of e-PAN card scam! Got an email to download your PAN Card under PAN 2.0? It could be a fraud - Times of India

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