&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "‘PAN 2.0’ scam alert: Indian govt warns taxpayers against phishing emails")
The ‘government has issued a serious warning to taxpayers in India about an ongoing phishing scam that offers upgraded “PAN 2.0” cards. The Fact Check Unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued an advisory about fraudsters sending emails claiming the launch of a new version of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card with enhanced features such as QR codes.
Emails with subject lines related to “PAN 2.0 Cards” are being sent from suspicious email IDs such as info@smt.plusoasis.com
What’s the phishing scam?
Emails with subject lines related to “PAN 2.0 Cards” are being sent from suspicious email IDs such as info@smt.plusoasis.com, urging recipients to click on a link to download their so-called “e-PAN”. These messages are designed to appear official but are, in fact, part of a cybercrime campaign aimed at stealing sensitive personal and financial data.
Government confirms the emails are fake
The PIB’s Fact Check team has confirmed that these emails as fraudulent and they do not originate from any government department. In a social media post, the bureau warned, “Do not respond to emails, calls & SMS asking you to share financial & sensitive information and report such phishing emails.”
The Income Tax Department has also reiterated that it does not send unsolicited messages asking for bank details, passwords, or personal credentials. Furthermore, PAN and e-PAN services are provided only through authorised government portals, not through email links.
How PAN 2.0 scam works
Trending Stories
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Half-tank rule’: Does keeping your fuel tank full improve mileage?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Ebola outbreak declared 'international health emergency' by WHO: Is it a pandemic? WION Decodes
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Automatic cars vs manuals’: Which uses more fuel?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Flight Deck Boots': Why USS Abraham Lincoln sailors wear extremely heavy shoes
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does turning off the radio and headlights actually save fuel?
)
Netherlands to return 11th-century Chola copper plates to India during PM Modi’s visit
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Hydraulic Arms': How the USS Abraham Lincoln pops up its emergency net
)
Antarctic cosmic dust proves Earth has been traversing through supernova debris for 80,000 years
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does charging your phone and using your car’s Bluetooth waste fuel?
)
'Made in Pakistan' fan donated to UP madrasa triggers probe
)
Massive fire breaks out in Delhi-Bound Rajdhani Express, passengers evacuated safely
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
What are Chola copper plates that Netherlands returned to PM Modi? FULL LIST of other artefacts brought back to India since 2014
)
Fact check: Trump caught on video taking a sneak peek at Xi Jinping’s private notebook? Clip goes viral | WATCH
)
'The sofa was clearly higher': Here's how social media reacted to Trump-Xi viral video
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Night Vision': Why the USS Abraham Lincoln bans white flashlights on deck
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Top 7 most economically stable countries in world: India & Pakistan ranking will surprise you
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters fastest to 14,000 T20 runs
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Ghost Targets': How the USS Abraham Lincoln creates fake ships on enemy radar
)
Andhra CM offers cash incentives of ₹30,000 for 3rd child, ₹40,000 for 4th to reverse declining population trend
)
Bermuda Triangle Mystery 'Solved': Scientists REVEAL Structure Found Beneath Island
)
‘Prepare for battle of Britain’: Tommy Robinson tells tens of thousands at London rally
)
Jana Nayagan release: CM Vijay takes action, asks producer to return from Cannes
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How much fuel do frequent gear changes really waste?
)
From weapons to wheels: Sweden’s deepening ‘Make in India’ partnership
)
Man ploughs car into crowd killing 8 in Italy, stabs 1 when stopped - What we know about the driver?
)
Trump in bonkers boast reveals he told Xi 'we spy like hell on China'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does parking in the shade prevent fuel evaporation in the summer?
)
Noida protest accused was transferred Rs 1 crore in foreign currency to his bank account
)
Jana Nayagan on OTT: Vijay’s victory renews interest in his film, streaming platforms compete to get digital rights
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘No need to worry about fuel price hikes’: 5 fuel-efficient cars that can save you money
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Does cruise control really save fuel?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
What is the ideal car speed for maximum fuel savings?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Sleep Deprived': How the USS Abraham Lincoln crew survives endless night operations
)
India restricts import of two types of silver bars with immediate effect
)
India's Green Mirage: Northeast is quietly losing its forest cover while India celebrates gains
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Indian rupee becomes Asia’s worst-performing currency- Who else is on the list?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Petrol vs diesel: Which car engine really saves more money in daily driving?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Indians at Cannes 2026: Alia Bhatt, Aditi Rao Hydari, Huma Qureshi and others stun on the global red carpet
)
Eurovision 2026: Bulgaria's Dara wins with Bangaranga, Israel's Noam Bettan finishes second
The user receives an email claiming that a new PAN card version with QR code support is available. The email has a link for downloading the upgraded e-PAN, but clicking it redirects users to a fake government-like website where users are asked to enter sensitive information like PAN, Aadhaar, and bank account numbers. The data is collected by scammers for identity theft or financial fraud.
Stay vigilant, be safe
Users should be vigilant and must always verify the source of any government communication.
Official emails usually come from distinct domains like @gov.in or @nic.in.
Users are also advised to never click on suspicious links nor share personal data online.
Report phishing email
If a user receives such a phishing email, it should be immediately reported to webmanager@incometax.gov.in and incident@cert-in.org.in
