The fact-check unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has cautioned people against a fake email circulating online that claims to allow users to download an e-PAN card. It has been stated that the message is fake and people are advised to avoid responding to such emails or clicking on links provided.
The government's fact-checking arm, in a post on X, flagged the email as fraudulent and cautioned users against sharing sensitive information via suspicious emails, calls or SMS.
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"Have you also received an email asking you to download the e-PAN Card? This Email is #Fake. Do not respond to any emails, links, calls & SMS asking you to share financial and sensitive information," it stated.
The advisory points out that cybercriminals often design such fake emails asking the recipients to download an e-PAN card through a link, which looks genuine.
However, these communications are not issued from the authorities. These are part of major phishing attempts that look forward to gather confidential information from unsuspecting users.
The X post has also provided the link from Income Tax Department giving details on reporting phishing e-mails.
What To Know?
The Income Tax Department has repeatedly warned people against phishing and fake emails. The department states that it does not request detailed personal information through e-mail and "does not send e-mail requesting your PIN numbers, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts."
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If you have received an e-mail from a person claiming to be authorised by I-T Department or directing you to an Income Tax website:
1. Do not send any reply to the email.
2. Avoid opening any attachments, since these can have malicious code that will infect your smartphone or computer.
3. Do not click on any links provided in the email. If you have done that, avoid entering confidential information like bank account, credit card details.
4. People should not cut and paste the link from the message into the browsers.
5. Use anti-virus software, anti spyware, and a firewall and make sure they are always updated on time. Some of these phishing e-mails could contain software that can harm your computer or track your activities on the internet.
How Users Can Stay Safe
If you have received an fraud e-mail, then forward it to webmanager@incometax.gov.in
People can also consider providing the internet header of the e-mail, since it contains additional information and helps in locating the sender.
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After forwarding the e-mail or header, make sure you delete the message.
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