PAN Update Bank Account Block Scam by email

How it looks by email, the red flags and what to do.

Email is slower than SMS, so these scams usually pretend to be a bill, a refund, an account lock or a job offer and ask you to log in or open a file. PAN Update Bank Account Block Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A message says your PAN must be updated or your bank account and card will be blocked. The form steals PAN, login details and OTPs.

What pan update bank account block scam looks like by email

• A login page that opens from the email and asks for your password and OTP.
• A sender address that is almost, but not exactly, the real domain.
• A button that says "Verify account" or "View invoice".

The scammer sends a message in the name of a bank, using a sender name that looks close to a real one, saying that PAN updating is mandatory. The text warns that your account, card or demat services will be restricted from tomorrow. It includes a link, which is often shortened, and may ask you to complete the process before a time that is a few hours away.

Red flags to check on the email

• The message says PAN must be updated by a link.
• A block or penalty is threatened for tomorrow.
• The form asks for PAN with banking login and card details.
• An OTP is requested to complete a 'PAN update'.
• Hover over the link: the address does not match the company website.
• The email asks you to log in through the link rather than through the official app.

What to do

1. Do not tap the link and do not enter your PAN anywhere.
2. Check your bank's official app or visit the branch to see if anything is pending.
3. Never share an OTP or card details for a PAN update.
4. Do not open the attachment and do not press the button.
5. Go to the company website by typing it yourself and check your account there.
6. Check the full sender address, not just the display name.

Use Report phishing in your email app. If money or accounts are affected, call 1930 and report at cybercrime.gov.in.

If money or a code is already gone

1. Call 1930 immediately if money was taken, with the transaction details.
2. Call your bank on the number on your card and block cards and net banking.
3. Keep a record of where you entered your PAN and watch for loans or accounts in your name.
4. Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in with the message and form screenshots.

National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930; report at cybercrime.gov.in.

Safeavio's scam check works on text you paste or share and explains what looks wrong, such as fake authority, a deadline and OTP asks. The link check looks at the link before you open it for lookalike domains and shortened links. It cannot check your PAN status, so use your bank's official app or the branch. Ask your bank directly.

Full guide: PAN Update Bank Account Block Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: SMS, WhatsApp, phone call.

Questions