Beware of e-PAN card scam! Got an email to download your PAN Card under PAN 2.0? It could be a fraud – Newz9

PAN 2.0 fraud alert! Have you obtained an email for downloading your e-PAN Card? Be cautious of suspicious emails claiming to assist you to download e-PAN playing cards! Fraudsters constantly devise new strategies to deceive and manipulate their targets. These misleading emails ought to be disregarded as they’re fraudulent.
The PIB Fact Check has recognized a misleading scheme the place faux emails, claiming to be from the Income Tax Department, try to mislead customers about e-PAN card downloads.
Scammers are exploiting the curiosity surrounding the federal government’s new PAN 2.0 initiative by sending fraudulent emails to mislead folks.
PIB Fact Check issued a warning on requesting delicate or monetary info.”

What is PAN 2.0?

The Income Tax Department is looking to introduce PAN 2.0, a modernized version of PAN Cards. The updated cards incorporate an enhanced QR code system, offering improved security measures and protection against fraudulent activities.
Whilst current PAN cardholders need not mandatorily switch to the new format, upgrading presents several advantages.
Also Read | PAN 2.0: How to easily apply for PAN Card reprint with QR code – check 6 simple steps online
Protecting yourself from fraudsters and reporting them:
Be aware that the Income Tax Department never solicits detailed personal information via email. They do not send emails requesting PIN numbers, passwords or similar confidential information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.
Phishing Explained:
The Income Tax website defines phishing as: “Phishing is the method of trying to purchase delicate info reminiscent of usernames, passwords and credit score card particulars by masquerading as a reliable entity in an digital communication. Communications purporting to be from monetary establishments, in style social internet sites, public sale websites, on-line cost processors or IT directors are generally used to lure the unsuspecting public. Phishing is often carried out by e-mail or on the spot messaging and it usually directs customers to enter. particulars at a faux web site whose feel and look are virtually equivalent to the professional one.”
Also Read | PAN 2.0: Have an extra PAN Card? Surrender now to avoid Rs 10,000 penalty! check steps
Safety Guidelines from Income Tax Department:
According to an ET report, when receiving emails claiming to be from Income author Taxities or directing to Income Tax websites, observe these precautions:
* Avoid replying
* Never access attachments as they might contain harmful code
* Avoid clicking links or entering sensitive information like bank details
* Never copy-paste links from messages, as fraudsters can disguise malicious website links.
* Install and regularly update protective software including anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall to safeguard against unwanted files that track online activities.
Reporting Procedures:
Suspicious emails or web sites ought to be reported to webmanager@incometax.gov.in and incident@cert-in.org.in. Include the entire email or web site URL. For enhanced investigation, present the email’s Internet header containing sender particulars. Remove the suspicious message after reporting.