• Source:JND
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As the digital world continues to grow at a rapid pace, the Government of India has issued a warning concerning a “Phishing” scam that has been spreading quite fast. In this phishing attempt, the scam email offers users PAN 2.0. Whereas in reality, there are no such offers in existence, and the only objective of that email is to scam you and snatch the personal data and financial information of the user.

It has been confirmed by the PIB (Press Information Bureau) and the Income Tax Department that these messages are false alarms and they don’t have any relation to any of the government bodies and services. 

What is the PAN 2.0 Scam

At its core, the scam revolves around an email phishing campaign. Fraudsters send an email with subject lines such as “Get Your PAN 2.0 Card” from email addresses such as info@smt.plusoasis.com.

The emails redirect to fake government websites that constantly ask users to submit sensitive information, such as:

  • PAN number  
  • Aadhaar number  
  • Bank account information  
  • Full name, phone number, and address  

The information may result in identity theft, unapproved financial dealings, and data leaks.

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Response from PIB and Income Tax Department

To combat the scam, PIB Fact Check took to social media with the following, rather blunt, message: 

“Scam alert!! Have you received an email asking you to click on a link to download your e-PAN Card? … This email is #Fake.” 

The Income Tax Department also stepped on the matter to clarify that they never send unsolicited emails that request sensitive personal data. Graining, they emphasized that all services related to PAN are provided through official websites ending in .gov.in or .nic.in, such as:

  • https://www.incometax.gov.in
  • https://www.nsdl.co.in
  • https://www.utiitsl.com

Why the Timing Matters?

This alert was issued at the time when its the tax filing season in India, so several people are filing their ITR, and updating their PAN information or even making financial declaration through the official digital portal. And the cybercriminals are using it as an opportunity to scam people and target individuals for focused attacks.

The emails that users receive is quite deceiving as they imitate government’s style, faux seals, logos, and well scripted language that creates a sense of urgency to the tax payers. 

Avoiding PAN 2.0 and Other Phishing Scams: How to Protect Yourself

Here are effective measures to safeguard yourself and others from these phishing scams.

1. Scrutinize the Sender’s Email Domain

Verify that the email is from .gov.in or .nic.in domains. Any other domain is suspicious.

2. Avoid Clicking suspicious Email Links

Do not click on links or attachments that promise funds, identity enhancements, or documents without verification.

3. Only Use Official Websites

For PAN services, use trusted portals like NSDL, UTIITSL, or the Income Tax official site. Always use direct typing for the URL in the browser.

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4. Enable Two Factor Authentication

2FA adds more protection to your email and banking services.

5. Report The Scam

Use the following email to report the phishing to PT:

  • webmanager@incometax.gov.in
  • incident@cert-in.org.in

6. Stay Informed

You can follow the trusted and fact checking profiles like @PIBFactCheck to stay up to date on new scams and digital security advice.

Final Thoughts

Our understanding of cyber fraud needs to evolve side by side with technology and the way it is used. The fake PAN 2.0 scam is the most recent example of an attack attempting to subvert faith in technology and digital governance. As government is trying their best to monitor and minimize these risks, it is our responsibility to sta informed and keep away from such risks. Awareness can be the key to protect ourselves from such fraud and scams.

So you should always check with the official sources or wait for the new and updates from them. Don’t click unknowingly or under pressure of limited time. You should first read carefully, then think, if you even have a minor doubt, just verify first before acting too quickly.