The Income Tax Department has issued a warning to citizens about fake emails claiming to offer e-PAN cards.
These emails are phishing attempts designed to steal sensitive information.
The warning was shared with the help of the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
Beware of Fake e-PAN Emails
The phishing emails often include a message like “A step-by-step guide to download your e-PAN card online.”
The Income Tax Department clarified that it never asks for detailed personal information through emails.
Citizens are advised not to respond to emails, links, calls, or SMS messages asking for confidential information, including PIN numbers, passwords, or bank and credit card details.
How to Stay Safe from Phishing
The advisory includes several safety tips:
Do not open attachments in suspicious emails, as they may contain harmful software.
Do not click on links in these emails or websites pretending to be the Income Tax Department.
Avoid copying and pasting links from suspicious messages, as they may lead to fake websites.
Keep your anti-virus, anti-spyware software, and firewall updated to protect your computer from malware.
The department also encouraged taxpayers to report phishing attempts:
Forward any suspicious email or website pretending to be the Income Tax Department to webmanager@incometax.gov.in
You can also send a copy to incident@cert-in.org.in
Include the email or the internet header for better tracking, and then delete the message.
By following these steps, citizens can protect themselves from phishing attacks and keep their personal and financial information safe.