PAN 2.0 Scam: If you have an email in your inbox that it is written – “Your new PAN 2.0 is ready, click here and download” then be alert. This is not a government information but a dangerous fishing scam. Both the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of the government and the Income Tax Department have described such email as completely fake. Its real purpose is to steal your personal and financial information.
What is PAN 2.0 scam?
In this fraud, a fake email is sent to the people in which it is claimed that the government has launched a new updated e-PAN card which is being called ‘PAN 2.0’. The email contains QR code and some government -like design and is asked to download through links. But this link takes you not on any official website but to the site with scammers.
Why is this scam so dangerous?
These emails seem absolutely real to see language, design, logo, everything is exactly like government. As soon as you put your information like name, PAN number, Aadhaar number, bank details or password on that fake website, you can blow money from your account or your identity may be misused. One click can endanger your complete digital security.
How to avoid scams?
Do not click without checking the link or attachment given in any email. If the address of the site is not ending with ‘. Gov.in’, then understand that it is not government. Do not take any step in fear or haste. Avoid filling your personal information on any unknown website.
Has the government really released PAN 2.0?
For information, let us know that till now the government or Income Tax Department has not launched any service or new card named ‘PAN 2.0’. No such announcement has been made. If you get such a message, then immediately consider it fake and be careful. For correct information, only go to the official website of Income Tax Department www.incometax.gov.in.
What to do if it is clicked by mistake?
If you have accidentally filled the information by clicking on that link, then immediately contact your bank and ask to freeze or monitor the account. Change all your passwords, net banking logins and UPI PIN immediately. Loll a complaint with the nearest police station or cybercrime cell. Also, report online on www.cybercrime.gov.in. Take screenshots of suspected email and report it as fishing/spam.
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