India is currently going through a phase of digital transformation. From ordering groceries to updating important documents like Aadhaar and PAN, every service is now available online. However, with increasing dependence on the digital space, susceptibility to online threats is also increasing. Scammers are finding new ways to deceive netizens as they navigate the online space to get their work done. In one such recent case, a Kanpur man lost Rs 7.7 lakh to fraudsters while applying online for a PAN card for his great-grandson.

The scam happened when the victim, Suresh Chandra Sharma, resident of Navsheel Moti Vihar, Sarvodaya Nagar, was trying to get a PAN card for his great-grandson Kanishk Pandey, who lives in the United States. On November 10, while searching online for assistance, Sharma found a legitimate customer service helpline. As soon as the number was connected to two persons, two persons, who identified themselves as Avinash Awasthi and Rajeev Ranjan, introduced themselves as customer service executives. According to TOI report, they informed the victim that he would be required to act as a guarantor for the PAN card application and asked for copies of his Aadhaar card, PAN card and banking details on the pretext of completing the application process.

Considering it a legitimate proposal, Sharma shared the details. However, scammers exploited this information to access Sharma’s bank accounts. In two fraudulent transactions, he withdrew Rs 1,40,071 and Rs 6,30,071, causing a total loss of Rs 7.7 lakh. The elderly man realized the fraud after noticing unauthorized debits from his accounts.

Upon discovering the scam, Sharma immediately lodged a complaint with his banks and the Kakadev police to stop further activity.

This case is another reminder of how scammers are exploiting widely used services like Aadhaar and PAN platforms to defraud people. According to cyber security experts, fraudsters often take advantage of users’ lack of awareness to carry out such scams. Older adults, in particular, are more vulnerable due to their limited knowledge of online processes.

To stay safe, here are some important security tips to follow while availing online services:

— Always double-check the authenticity of websites or customer service numbers. Use official government portals like NSDL or UTIITSL for PAN card related services.

– Do not share sensitive information like Aadhaar or PAN card details and banking credentials with unverified persons or platforms.

–Beware of unsolicited calls or messages claiming to represent customer support. Legitimate organizations rarely request sensitive information over the phone.

— In case of doubt or if you become a victim of a scam, report suspicious activity to the police or the cyber crime reporting portal – cybercrime.gov.in.