UPI Fraud Alert: Beware of Fake ‘PAN Card 2.0’ Scam—Here’s How to Stay Safe
With the rapid rise of digital payments, cybercriminals are constantly developing new scams to steal money from users. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Unified Payment Interface (UPI) have issued a new fraud alert to warn users about a dangerous scam related to PAN Card upgrades.
New ‘PAN Card 2.0’ Scam Explained
Scammers are now tricking people into sharing their PAN card and banking details under the false pretext of upgrading to PAN Card 2.0. Here’s how they operate:
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Victims receive a message or call stating that their PAN card has been blocked.
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The scammer then instructs them to upgrade to PAN Card 2.0 by providing their Aadhaar number, bank details, or OTP.
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If the victim clicks on any link or shares details, the fraudster gains access to their bank account and steals money.
UPI’s Official Warning
UPI shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) with the hashtag #MainMoorkhNahiHoon, warning users:
"Not every upgrade is beneficial; some can completely drain your finances."
UPI urged users to stay cautious and share this warning to prevent others from falling for this scam.
How to Protect Yourself from UPI & PAN Card Scams
✔ Do Not Share Personal Details: Never provide your bank details, Aadhaar, PAN, or OTP to anyone over phone, SMS, or email.
✔ Ignore Suspicious Messages & Calls: The government does not issue any 'PAN Card 2.0' updates. Any message claiming so is a scam.
✔ Do Not Click on Unknown Links: Fraudsters often send phishing links that can hack your phone or banking apps.
✔ Verify with Official Sources: If you receive a suspicious message, contact your bank or official government website (www.incometax.gov.in).
✔ Enable Security Features: Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for UPI transactions and set strong passwords for banking apps.
✔ Report Scams Immediately: If you suspect fraud, report it via the cybercrime helpline (1930) or cybercrime.gov.in.
Final Warning
Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated with their tactics. Stay alert, spread awareness, and always double-check financial requests before sharing any information.
