PAN Card 2.0: Another major update is here for PAN Card holders. The popularity of UPI for digital payments is skyrocketing. Whether you’re at a large shopping mall or a small local vegetable stand, UPI is being used for transactions everywhere. However, alongside this growth, online fraud is also on the rise. Cybercriminals are constantly coming up with new tactics to deceive individuals. Recently, a new scam has emerged, prompting the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to issue a warning to UPI users. Falling victim to this scam could lead to your bank account being drained. Let’s break down what’s going on…
What’s the new PAN Card 2.0 Scam?
This latest scam revolves around PAN Card 2.0. NPCI has alerted users via its official X account about fraudsters who are soliciting personal and banking information under the guise of a “PAN Card 2.0 Upgrade.”
Scammers are sending out this deceptive message:
“Your PAN card has been blocked. To upgrade to PAN Card 2.0, please provide your Aadhaar number and bank account details.” Many unsuspecting individuals are falling for this trick, inadvertently handing over their financial information to these criminals. NPCI cautions that not all upgrade requests are legitimate, and this scam could wipe out your entire bank account.
Tips to Steer Clear of UPI Fraud
To keep yourself safe from digital scams, here are some key security tips:
– Avoid clicking on any unfamiliar links sent via SMS, email, or social media.
– Never share your bank account information, PAN, or Aadhaar number with anyone.
– Disregard any suspicious messages that claim to upgrade your PAN card and delete them immediately.
– Be cautious of calls or texts requesting your personal financial information.
– Always double-check information directly from official sources like NPCI, your bank, or government websites.
NPCI’s awareness initiative: #IAmNotAFool
NPCI has kicked off the #IAmNotAFool campaign to raise awareness about scams. This effort aims to remind users to stay alert, inform others, and steer clear of fraudsters’ schemes.
NPCI encourages everyone to pass on this message to friends and family, empowering them to also declare, “I am not a fool.”
Keep in mind: No bank, government body, or financial institution will ever request your information via messages or phone calls.
Not every ‘upgrade’ is a step up – some can drain your finances. Share this with your friends so they can say #MainMoorkhNahiHoon.@timesofindia | @NPCI_NPCI | @dilipasbe #UPI #UPIChalega #TheCommonMan #ConmanVsCommonMan pic.twitter.com/DPRXYCVJCu
— UPI (@UPI_NPCI) March 27, 2025