PAN card phishing scams: Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued a warning regarding fake messages. India Post has also clarified that it does not send such alerts and advised the public not to click on suspicious links and not to share their personal information with anyone
What is PAN Card Fraud?
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) customers are receiving messages claiming that if they do not update their PAN card details within 24 hours, their bank account will be blocked. These messages contain suspicious links which take users to scam websites. Scammers are using phishing techniques to extract sensitive information from people.
What did PIB say on PAN Card Scam?
PIB has declared these messages as fake. In a post on social media platform “X”, PIB said, “The claim that IPPB accounts will be blocked if PAN details are not updated is completely false. India Post never sends such messages.”
How do scammers trap people?
Phishing is a technique in which scammers force people to share their personal information like passwords, bank details or credit card numbers through fake emails, messages or links. These messages look like those of real banks or trusted websites, which confuse people. If you click on those links or share your details, scammers can steal your information.
Tips to stay safe from phishing scams
1. Share PAN details only when necessary: Share your PAN card details only with trusted and verified organizations and only when necessary.
2. Avoid suspicious links: Do not click on links in emails or messages from unknown sources. Before clicking on the link, hover over it to see where it is leading.
3. Look for Red Flags: If there is an urgent request, threat, or offer that seems too good to be true, be alert. Scammers use fear or greed to lure people.
4. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for the security of your accounts. It adds an extra verification step, like a code on your phone, which makes your account more secure.
Keep these tips in mind to keep your data and financial information secure and always be alert!
