Govt warns about fake SMS asking users to update their PAN – what it is and how to stay safe

• The government has warned about a new way scammers are trying to obtain personal information.
• Users have reportedly received an SMS asking them to update their PAN to unblock their bank account.
• Here's everything you need to know about the fake PAN SMS and how to stay safe.

Increased usage of the internet has also resulted in an increase in online fraud. Scammers are finding new ways to fool people and steal from them. A new method has now been revealed, which preys on users with an account in India Post Payments Bank.

According to a post by PIB Fact Check, several users have received an SMS which claims to be from India Post Payments Bank. However, the message is fake and is an attempt to steal user data.

“This claim is #Fake. @IndiaPostOffice never sends any such messages. Never share your personal & bank details with anyone,” PIB Fact Check said in its post on X.

What is the fake PAN SMS?

In the SMS, the user is warned that their India Post Payments Bank account has been blocked. It then asks the users to update their PAN to get their account unblocked. The user is then given a link, asking them to click on the link to update their PAN.


The link then redirects the user to a phishing page, aimed at stealing user data such as their bank account login details to gain access to their account. Once you enter your bank account login details, they will be sent to the scammer.

What is phishing?

Phishing is a cyber-attack where attackers impersonate legitimate organisations or individuals to trick people into revealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card details. This is usually done through deceptive emails, messages, or fake websites.

How to stay safe from phishing attacks?

Here are some ways you can identify phishing attacks and stay safe:

• Verify the sender: Check the sender’s email address or phone number carefully. Phishers often use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but have small differences.
• Look for red flags: Be wary of unexpected messages, especially those requesting sensitive information or containing urgent or threatening language.
• Verify before opening: Only open attachments from trusted sources. Phishing emails often contain malware disguised as legitimate files.
• Add two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts. This adds an additional layer of security even if your password is compromised.
• Contact directly: If you receive a request for sensitive information, verify the request by contacting the organisation directly through known and trusted channels.
• Report phishing attempts: Report phishing emails to your email provider or the relevant authorities. This helps in tracking and stopping phishing schemes.

SEE ALSO:

You can now add music to your Instagram profile – here's how

2024 TVS Jupiter vs Honda Activa 6G – which 110cc scooter should you buy?

iQOO Z9s Pro vs Moto Edge 50 Fusion – which is the best smartphone under ₹25,000?