PAN Card fraud: This email asking you to “download e-PAN card online” is fake; tips to avoid scams and more

PAN

Scammers are continuously evolving in their ways to lure their victims and dupe them. The latest attempt is a PAN card fraud where scammers impersonate a government official via email and ask you to download an e-PAN card online. PIB Fact Check has clarified that the email with the subject “Download e-PAN Card Free Online: A Step-by-Step Guide” is fake and users should report them via a post on social media platform X.

PIB Fact Check has mentioned in the post that the email circulating is fake and users should prevent themselves from acting on such emails to not get trapped into the bait set by scammers.

How does the e-PAN scam work?

In this phishing scam, scammers send an email pretending to be a step-by-step guide on downloading e-PAN online. The subject is similar to this. The body highlights the importance of downloading an e-PAN card to make the email look authentic.

Apart from this, the email also includes a link users should click to download the e-PAN card. However, this is where the scam begins. Once users click on the email, the webpage opens up asking them to enter some personal details.

Do note that the details you enter here directly get shared with the scammers and then they can use it to scam you or run a financial fraud.

Income Tax department’s advisory
Not only this, but the Income Tax department also has detailed guidelines on how to report such scams along with things to do and not to do.

If you receive an email from someone claiming to represent the Income Tax Department or directing you to an Income Tax-related website, follow these precautions:

Not to do:
Reply: Avoid responding to such emails.
Open attachments: These may contain malicious software that could infect your device.
Click on links: Refrain from clicking on any links. If you’ve clicked on a suspicious link, avoid entering sensitive details such as your bank account or credit card information.
Copy and paste links: Do not copy links from the email into your browser. Fraudsters often disguise harmful links to appear genuine but redirect you to fraudulent websites.

How to prevent these scams
Use updated antivirus software, antispyware tools, and a firewall to safeguard your device. Suspicious emails may carry harmful software that can compromise your device or track your online activities without your consent.

How to report email and phishing scams

- If you come across an email or website pretending to be from the Income Tax Department:
- Forward the email or the website URL to webmanager@incometax.gov.in.
- Additionally, send a copy to incident@cert-in.org.in.
- You may forward the email as is or include its internet header, which provides details that help identify the sender.

Post-reporting:
After reporting the suspicious email or website, delete the message from your inbox and forget about it.

How to download ePAN online as per Income Tax department

It is important to know that there’s a way to download e-PAN online. The Income Tax department has also shared the steps for that. Here’s how you can download it online.

Downloading an Instant e-PAN is a simple process through the e-Filing portal. Follow these steps to obtain your e-PAN:

Step 1: Access the e-Filing portal
Visit the e-Filing portal homepage and select the Instant e-PAN option.

Step 2: Select “Get new e-PAN”
On the Instant e-PAN page, click Get New e-PAN to proceed.

Step 3: Enter Aadhaar details
On the next page, input your 12-digit Aadhaar number, tick the I confirm that checkbox, and click Continue.

Note:
If your Aadhaar is already linked to a valid PAN, a message will inform you.
If your Aadhaar is not linked to an active mobile number, a message will prompt you to update your mobile details.

Step 4: Accept terms and consent
On the OTP validation page, read the consent terms, tick the relevant checkbox, and click Continue.

Step 5: Validate Aadhaar with OTP
Enter the 6-digit OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, tick the checkbox to validate details with UIDAI, and click Continue.

Step 6: Confirm Aadhaar Details
On the Aadhaar Details Validation page, select the I Accept that checkbox and click Continue.

Upon successful submission, a confirmation message will appear with an Acknowledgement Number. Keep this number for future reference. A confirmation message will also be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.