PAN Card Scam: Will Your Post Office Account Be Closed If You Don’t Update Your PAN Card? Know the Truth

PAN Card Scam: In the current digital age, the web of fraud has spread everywhere. Scammers are constantly trying to deceive ordinary people with new tactics. Recently, such a fraudulent trap has been set targeting the customers of India Post Payments Bank (IPPB). A fake message has gone viral, claiming that a customer’s bank account will be blocked within 24 hours if their PAN (Permanent Account Number) card is not updated. What is the truth behind this message? Has India Post really issued such a rule? Let’s find out the details.

What Exactly Is the Viral Fake Message?

Many customers of India Post Payments Bank have complained about receiving a message that reads:

This message also includes a link that lures customers into providing personal and sensitive information, such as their PAN number, Aadhaar number, and bank account details.

Warning from the Press Information Bureau (PIB)

The Press Information Bureau (PIB), the official fact-checking body of the Central Government, has conducted a fact-check on this matter. PIB has clearly stated on its official Twitter handle that this viral message is completely fake and baseless.

PIB has stated the following:

• Claim: The customer’s India Post Payments Bank account will be blocked if the PAN card is not updated.
• Truth: This claim is entirely false. India Post never sends such messages to its customers.
• Warning: PIB has urged the public not to share their personal or banking information with anyone under any circumstances.

How Does This Fraudulent Scheme Work?

This type of fraud is known as “Phishing.” Scammers try to gain the trust of ordinary people in various ways:

• Using the Name of a Government Agency: They introduce themselves as bank representatives or government officials.
• Creating a Sense of Urgency: They create fear by saying things like “your account will be blocked within 24 hours,” forcing customers to act quickly.
• Information Gathering: Once the customer clicks on the link and provides their personal information, the scammers can use that information to withdraw money from the bank account or commit other fraudulent acts in the customer’s name.

Ways to Stay Safe from Digital Fraud

India Post Payments Bank and other financial institutions offer some tips to keep customers safe in digital transactions. These include:

• Do Not Click on Suspicious Links: Refrain from clicking on links from unknown or suspicious sources.
• Do Not Share Personal Information: Do not share your PIN, password, OTP, CVV, or any other banking information with anyone over the phone or via email.
• Change Your Password Regularly: Change the passwords for your net banking and mobile banking services regularly.
• Use Official Websites: Always use the bank’s official website or app to verify any information or to avail of any service.
• Be Cautious: Be wary of any unusual or tempting offers.

Therefore, if you also receive a message from India Post Payments Bank in the name of a PAN card update, be alert. It could be a fraudulent trap. Before taking any action, be sure to contact the bank branch to verify the authenticity of the news.