The Government of India has warned people about a fake email scam related to e-PAN cards. This email is being sent in the name of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), but it is completely fake.
The message asks users to download an “e-PAN card.” Officials have clearly said that this is a phishing scam created to steal personal and financial information. People are advised not to click on such emails.
How This Fake Email Works
The email looks real because it uses government names and labels. This makes people trust it easily.
It usually asks you to download a file or click on a link. Once you do that, your device can be infected or your personal data can be stolen. Hackers can then misuse your information for fraud.
Income Tax Department’s Advice
The Income Tax Department has made it clear that it never asks for personal or financial details through email.
It does not send emails asking for passwords, PINs, or bank details. If you receive any such message, it is most likely fake.
What is Phishing
Phishing is a type of online fraud where scammers pretend to be trusted organizations. They try to trick people into sharing sensitive information like passwords, bank details, or card numbers.
These messages often look genuine, which is why many people fall into the trap.
What You Should Do
If you receive a suspicious email about e-PAN or anything related to tax:
Do not reply to the email.
Do not click on any link.
Do not download any attachment.
Do not share personal or bank details.
Even copying and opening the link in a browser can be risky, so avoid that as well.
How to Report Such Emails
If you get a fake email related to tax, you can report it to the authorities.
You can send it to webmanager@incometax.gov.in if it is related to tax. You can also report it to incident@cert-in.org.in, which is handled by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team.
After reporting, delete the email from your inbox.
Final Words
Online scams are increasing, and many of them look very real. The best way to stay safe is to stay alert.
Always check before clicking any link or downloading any file. If something looks suspicious, it is better to ignore it.
