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

PAN 2.0 fraud alert! Have you received an email for downloading your e-PAN Card? Be cautious of suspicious emails claiming to help you download e-PAN cards! Fraudsters continuously devise new methods to deceive and manipulate their targets. These deceptive emails should be disregarded as they are fraudulent.
The PIB Fact Check has identified a deceptive scheme where fake emails, claiming to be from the Income Tax Department, attempt to mislead users about e-PAN card downloads.
Scammers are exploiting the interest surrounding the government's new PAN 2.0 initiative by sending fraudulent emails to mislead people.
PIB Fact Check issued a warning on X about this deceptive scheme, stating: "Have you also received an email asking you to download e-PAN Card. PIBFactCheck: This is a Fake email. Never reply to calls, texts, emails, or links requesting sensitive or financial information."


The Income Tax Department is looking to introduce PAN 2.0, a modernised 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 process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Communications purporting to be from financial institutions, popular social web sites, auction sites, online payment processors or IT administrators are commonly used to lure the unsuspecting public. Phishing is typically carried out by e-mail or instant messaging and it often directs users to enter details at a fake website whose look and feel are almost identical to the legitimate 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 Tax authorities or directing to Income Tax websites, observe these precautions:
* Avoid responding
* 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 websites should be reported to [email protected] and [email protected]. Include the complete email or website URL. For enhanced investigation, provide the email's Internet header containing sender details. Remove the suspicious message after reporting.