—
In a concerning development, a fraudulent SMS has been circulating, warning India Post Payments Bank customers that their accounts will be blocked within 24 hours unless they update their PAN cards. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit has acted swiftly to alert the public that this message is a scam and not from India Post.
According to PIB Fact Check, such messages are completely unfounded. They’ve urged everyone to stay alert and avoid falling for these fraudulent notifications.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), PIB Fact Check shared:
“Claim: The customer’s India Post Payments bank account will be blocked within 24 hours if their PAN card is not updated. #PIBFactCheck: This claim is #Fake @IndiaPostOffice never sends any such messages. Never share your personal & bank details with anyone.”
Claim: The customer’s India Post Payments bank account will be blocked within 24 hours if their Pan card is not updated. #PIBFactCheck:
This claim is #Fake
@IndiaPostOffice never sends any such messages
Never share your personal & bank details with anyone pic.twitter.com/EgLaXXarOw
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) August 19, 2024
What Is the Fake SMS Spreading on Social Media?
The fake message goes something like this:
“India Post Payment Bank KYC Login Dear user your India post payment bank account has been blocked today please updated your PAN Card immediately click here the link- http//surl.li/iccpf.”
These kinds of messages are dangerous as they could potentially lead to phishing attacks or identity theft. Scammers are continuously evolving their tactics to trick unsuspecting individuals, so staying informed and cautious is essential.
To Protect Yourself from Scams, Follow These Precautions:
Verify Information Through Official Channels
Whenever you receive a message that looks like it’s from a company or bank, make sure to verify it by directly contacting the organization through their official website or phone number. Don’t rely on information received from unsolicited messages.
Avoid Clicking on Links
Be very cautious about clicking on any links in unexpected or suspicious messages. These could be attempts to steal your personal information.
Exercise Caution with Unexpected Messages
If you receive texts from unknown senders or organizations you don’t typically deal with, it’s best to be wary. Such messages could be indicative of a scam.
Never Share Personal Information via SMS
Under no circumstances should you share sensitive details such as your bank account numbers or passwords through text messages. Legitimate organizations will never ask for this kind of information via SMS.
Report Suspicious Messages
If you come across any fraudulent SMS, make sure to report them to your mobile service provider and relevant authorities. This will help curb the spread of such scams and protect others.
The Importance of Staying Vigilant
In today’s digital age, scammers are getting more sophisticated in their methods. It’s crucial to always stay alert and follow safe practices to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Keeping yourself informed about common scams and knowing how to respond can go a long way in ensuring your personal and financial safety.
In conclusion, always prioritize caution and verify any unexpected communications you receive, especially those asking for personal or banking information. By staying vigilant and informed, we can collectively fight against scams and protect our valuable information.
Stay safe and always be cautious!
