Government warns against fake emails asking users to download e-PAN cards
New Delhi, July 18
The Government's Press Information Bureau Fact Check unit on Saturday warned the public against fraudulent emails asking recipients to download e-PAN cards, saying such messages are fake and advising people not to respond to any emails, links, phone calls or SMS seeking financial or sensitive personal information.
In a post on X, PIB Fact Check cautioned users against sharing any financial or sensitive personal information through suspicious emails, links, phone calls or SMS.
"Have you also received an email asking you to download e-PAN Card?" PIB Fact Check asked in its post, before clarifying: "This Email is #Fake."
It further advised the public, "Do not respond to any emails, links, calls & SMS asking you to share financial & sensitive information."
The image shared along with the post showed an email carrying the subject line "Download e-PAN Card Online: A step-by-step guide", with a large "FAKE" stamp superimposed on it. The email claimed to provide instructions for downloading an e-PAN card and described the PAN card as "one of the most important documents issued by the Income Tax Department."
The image also carried the warning "Beware of Fake Emails asking to download e-PAN Cards", reinforcing that such messages are fraudulent.
PIB Fact Check regularly issues alerts on misleading claims, online scams and fake communications circulating on social media and other digital platforms, urging citizens to verify information through official government channels before taking any action.
— ANI
Reader Comments
My elderly parents received something similar. They were so confused because the email said "urgent action required." I told them not to touch it and reported it to cybercrime. Scammers are getting smarter every day. PIB should also run awareness campaigns in regional languages.
This is why we need to be careful with anything related to PAN and Aadhaar. The government should also improve its own IT systems so people don't get confused between real and fake communications. Half the problem is that official government emails sometimes look equally unprofessional.
Appreciate the PIB Fact Check team for their work. These phishing emails are common everywhere, but in India with so many people new to digital services, they're particularly dangerous. Just remember: no legitimate organization will ever ask for your password or OTP via email.
Not just PAN cards - I've seen fake IT refund emails too. The scammers are taking advantage of people's financial anxiety. Always go directly to the official incometax.gov.in website or use the official app. Better safe than sorry! 🚫📧
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