Scammers are constantly innovating to deceive unsuspecting individuals. A new fraud involving PAN cards has come to light, where scammers impersonate government officials via email, asking recipients to “Download e-PAN Card Free Online: A Step-by-Step Guide”. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check has flagged this email as fake. It warns users not to fall for such fraudulent messages and encourages reporting such scams on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
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Scammers send phishing emails with a subject line like “Download e-PAN Card Free Online: A Step-by-Step Guide.” The email’s content is designed to appear legitimate, emphasizing the importance of downloading an e-PAN card.
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These emails often include a link, purportedly for downloading the e-PAN card. Clicking the link redirects users to a fake webpage, prompting them to enter personal details. Any information shared here goes directly to the scammers, potentially leading to identity theft or financial fraud.
Advisory from the Income Tax Department
The Income Tax Department has issued guidelines to help individuals recognize and avoid such scams.
What Not to Do:
- Don’t Reply: Avoid responding to suspicious emails.
- Don’t Open Attachments: These may contain malware.
- Don’t Click on Links: Links could redirect you to fraudulent sites. If you’ve already clicked, refrain from entering sensitive information.
- Don’t Copy and Paste Links: Fraudulent links may look genuine but lead to malicious websites.
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Protective Measures:
- Use updated antivirus software, spyware tools, and firewalls to protect your devices.
- Be cautious of unsolicited emails, as they may carry harmful software designed to compromise your device or track your activities.
How to Report Phishing Scams
If you encounter a fraudulent email or website posing as the Income Tax Department:
- Forward the email or website URL to [email protected].
- Send a copy to [email protected].
- Include the email’s internet header (if possible) for better tracking.
- After reporting, delete the email from your inbox.
- Genuine Steps to Download e-PAN Card Online
To avoid scams, it’s crucial to understand the official method for downloading an e-PAN card:
- Visit the e-Filing Portal: Go to the official e-Filing portal homepage and select the Instant e-PAN option.
- Click “Get New e-PAN”: Proceed to the next step.
- Enter Aadhaar Details: Provide your Aadhaar number and confirm the checkbox before continuing.
- Accept Terms and Consent: On the OTP validation page, agree to the terms and proceed.
- Validate Aadhaar via OTP: Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and continue.
- Confirm Aadhaar Details: Accept the details and submit.
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Once successfully submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation message along with an acknowledgment number. This number will also be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Stay Vigilant
Always verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from the Income Tax Department. Following these precautions can help protect you from scams and ensure the safety of your personal and financial information.
