Mumbai, August 31: The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check has issued a warning to taxpayers against a fresh wave of phishing emails claiming to offer upgraded "PAN 2.0" cards, calling the messages fraudulent and urging the public not to click on any suspicious links. According to the government agency, the fake emails typically have subject lines like “Download e-PAN Card Online: A Step-by-Step Guide”. They may use official-sounding language and design elements to appear legitimate, but the goal is to lure you into clicking on malicious links or downloading harmful attachments.

The emails, appearing to come from "PAN 2.0 Cards" and sent from addresses like info@smt.plusoasis.com, falsely claim that the Income Tax Department has launched a new version of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) featuring QR codes. Recipients are prompted to click a link to download their free “e-PAN.” Is India Post Really Ending Registered Post From September 1, 2025? PIB Fact Check Debunks Misleading Claim.

PIB Fact Check Flags Fake Emails Asking You to Download Your E-PAN Card

Have You Received an Email Asking You To Download E-PAN Card?

The PIB Fact Check unit labelled the emails as “#Fake” and warned citizens to check the sender’s email address, avoid clicking on links or attachments, and not respond to such messages. "Do not respond to emails, calls & SMS asking you to share financial & sensitive information and report such phishing e-mails," PIB Fact Check said.

The Income Tax Department, in an advisory, said that it never asks taxpayers to provide sensitive details like passwords, bank account numbers, or credit card information via email. It also does not send unsolicited emails with download links for e-PANs. Is Modi Government Monitoring Your WhatsApp Chats? PIB Fact Check Debunks Fake Message About Triple Ticks on Instant Messaging App.

"Use anti-virus software, anti-spyware, and a firewall and keep them updated. Some phishing e-mails contain software that can harm your computer or track your activities on the internet without your knowledge. Anti-virus & Anti-spyware software and firewall can protect you from inadvertently accepting such unwanted files," the Income Tax advisory stated.

Fact check

Have You Received an Email Asking You To Download E-PAN Card? PIB Fact Check Issues Warning Against Phishing Emails
Claim :

An email claims users can download their e-Pan card by clicking on the link provided in the message.

Conclusion :

PIB Fact Check said that the email is fake and warned people against responding to any emails, links, calls and SMS asking them to share financial and sensitive information.

Full of Trash
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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2025 05:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).