The Government of India has issued an important warning for taxpayers. Recently, a large-scale cyber fraud campaign is being carried out through fake e-PAN card scheme called PAN 2.0. In this scam, false offers are being sent to people via email, in which it is being said that the government has launched a new PAN card in which QR code and other advance features have been given.
The fact check team of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has called such a mail completely fake. The government has warned the public not to respond to such emails or messages at all and do not share any financial or sensitive information. This entire conspiracy has been hatched to steal your identity and banking details.
These days, emails are being sent to people from a subject called Pan 2.0 Cards, which are known as something like this- info@smt.plusoasis.com. It is being claimed in these emails that a new e-PAN card has been launched, which is necessary to click on a link to download. However, this email is completely fake and its real purpose is to steal your personal information.
PIB Fact Check has termed these emails as fake and misleading, saying: Do not respond to emails, calls and SMSs in which you are asked to share financial and sensitive information and report such fishing emails. This warning has clearly stated that they have not been sent by any legitimate government institution.
The Income Tax Department has also reiterated that it never asks for bank details, password or other sensitive information through email, call or message. PAN and e-Pain services are provided only through authorized government portals- not through any link or third party website.
The person gets an email in which it is claimed that the government has launched a new PAN card named PAN 2.0. A link is given in the email, which the user reaches a fake government -like website on clicking. On that website, sensitive information like his PAN number, Aadhaar number, bank account details is sought from the user. All these information directly reaches the scammers, which they use for identity theft and bank fraud.
Do check the source of any government email.
Relying only on the mails from authorized domains like @gov.in or @nic.in.
Do not click on a suspicious link and do not share any of your information.
Enter your personal and banking information only on official portals.
If you receive any such fake email, immediately report on these email addresses:
webmanager@incometax.gov.in
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