Beware of E-PAN Card Fraud Emails: Income Tax Dept Issues Alert
The Income Tax Department has issued an e-PAN card fraud alert, warning taxpayers against fake emails claiming to provide downloadable PAN cards. These phishing attempts often mimic government communication and lure users into clicking malicious links. Here’s what you need to know to protect your PAN data and avoid financial risk.
Why the E-PAN Card Fraud Alert Matters
- PAN is a critical identity for tax and banking.
- Fraudsters are now targeting taxpayers with official-looking emails.
- These emails typically include a link to “download” your PAN – which actually leads to malware or phishing sites.
Focus keyphrase: e-PAN card fraud alert
What the Income Tax Department Has Said
As per official communication from incometax.gov.in, the IT Department has NOT sent any emails with direct PAN download links. The department clarified:
“We do not send emails asking you to download your e-PAN directly. Please avoid clicking any suspicious links.”
The only official platforms to download e-PAN are:
You can also access your PAN via the e-Filing portal after logging in with your credentials.
How to Identify PAN Scam Emails
Look out for these red flags:
- Sender email domain not ending with “gov.in”
- Poor formatting or spelling errors
- Subject lines like “Urgent: Download Your PAN Now”
- Links redirecting to unknown URLs
- Attachments ending in
.exe,.zip, or.pdfasking for passwords
What to Do If You Get a Fake PAN Email
- Do not click any links or download attachments.
- Report the email to phishing@incometax.gov.in.
- Delete the email immediately after reporting.
- Run antivirus scan if you’ve clicked any links.
- Change your passwords, especially on the e-Filing portal.
How to Safely Download Your e-PAN Card
You can safely get your e-PAN through the Income Tax portal in 3 easy steps:
| Step | Platform | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | incometax.gov.in | Log in using PAN and OTP/password |
| 2 | ‘My Account’ | Select ‘Download e-PAN’ option |
| 3 | Confirm & Download | Download signed PDF issued by ITD |
Always ensure the site URL starts with https://www.incometax.gov.in.
Legal Framework & Cyber Safety
Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, phishing and identity theft are punishable. The IT Department’s e-PAN service is secure, and taxpayers are not charged for duplicate downloads within a valid timeframe.
CBDT regularly collaborates with CERT-In to monitor and take down malicious sites.
Expert Tip: PAN misuse can lead to legal and tax complications
“Never share PAN over email or WhatsApp without verifying the recipient. Misuse can result in fraudulent bank accounts, GST registrations or even bogus TDS claims in your name.”
– Efiletax Compliance Team
Stay Updated: Key Links
- e-Filing Portal – incometax.gov.in
- NSDL PAN – tin-nsdl.com
- UTIITSL PAN Services
- Report Phishing – CERT-In
FAQs on e-PAN Fraud Alert
Q1. Is the email from incometax.gov.in always genuine?
A: Yes, but still double-check the sender ID and links. Never trust third-party domains.
Q2. Can I re-download e-PAN for free?
A: Yes, through the IT portal or NSDL, if issued in the last 30 days.
Q3. What should I do if my PAN is misused?
A: File a police complaint and inform your Assessing Officer. You may also approach the Cyber Cell.
Summary
e-PAN card fraud alert! IT Dept warns against fake emails prompting PAN download. Don’t click shady links — here’s how to verify and stay safe.
Protect Your PAN. File Your Taxes Securely with Efiletax.
At Efiletax, we ensure 100% safe, compliant, and expert-handled tax filing. If you’ve faced any PAN-related fraud or want to check your compliance status, connect with our experts today.