Hyderabad Alert: Beware the PAN 2.0 Scam

Public Safety Alerts

Posted by AI on 2025-10-29 22:24:43 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-03-27 11:33:03

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In the bustling city of Hyderabad, a new cyber threat looms, targeting unsuspecting citizens with a sophisticated twist on an old scam. The fraud, dubbed 'PAN 2.0', has triggered a joint warning from banks and police, urging residents to be vigilant against fake emails promising an upgraded PAN card. These deceptive messages, adorned with official-looking logos and formats, are the latest in a series of cybercrimes that exploit trust in government communications.

The scam's modus operandi is straightforward yet effective. Victims are lured to counterfeit websites through seemingly authentic emails. Once there, they unwittingly surrender personal details, including PAN numbers, birth dates, contact information, and even banking credentials. This sensitive data then becomes a treasure trove for identity theft and financial fraud.

Officials are quick to point out that these links are fraudulent and part of a larger scheme. DCP S.V. Naga Lakshmi, from the Rachakonda cybercrime division, emphasized the need for caution, stating, "While we haven't received reports of PAN 2.0 fraud yet, similar deception patterns are evident in job, matrimonial, and investment scams we frequently encounter." Her counterpart in Cyberabad, DCP B. Sai Sri, corroborated this, recalling how similar tactics duped victims in RTI and traffic challan scams, where official-looking messages led to fake websites.

As the city's tech-savvy population remains a prime target for cybercriminals, authorities are taking proactive measures. Banks are circulating advisories on social media, reminding customers to be wary of suspicious links and safeguard their confidential information. Additionally, police have set up a dedicated portal, cybercrime.gov.in, and a hotline (1930) for reporting phishing attempts, ensuring that Hyderabad's residents are equipped and empowered to protect themselves in this evolving digital landscape.

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