Indian Post Payments Bank (IPPB) account holders are being warned of a new phishing scam exploiting the updated PAN Card rules introduced by the Central Government. Cybercriminals are sending fraudulent messages to users, falsely claiming that their bank accounts will be frozen if PAN Card details are not updated.

These messages often contain links that direct users to malicious websites, designed to steal personal and financial information. The fear of losing access to their bank accounts has led many individuals to fall prey to these scams.

How the scam works

The scammers use the recent PAN Card 2.0 update as a pretext to trick individuals. They send alarming messages suggesting account freezing due to non-compliance with PAN updates, prompting users to click on phishing links. By doing so, cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to sensitive financial data.

IPPB’s guidance to stay safe

Indian Post Payments Bank has issued a set of recommendations to help customers protect themselves from such fraudulent activities. The bank urges account holders to follow these secure digital banking practices:

• Regularly update passwords for better account security.
• Avoid calling fake customer care numbers or sharing personal details.
• Monitor account activities regularly for any unauthorized transactions.
• Stay cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks.
• Verify the authenticity of all banking-related communications.

Essential scam prevention tips

To further protect against such scams, experts recommend the following precautions:

1. Be wary of suspicious emails and messages: Avoid opening unknown attachments or clicking unfamiliar links, as scammers often disguise malicious content in these.
2. Check for signs of fraud: Look for typographical errors, grammatical mistakes, or unrealistic offers in messages that could indicate a phishing attempt.
3. Avoid password-protected files from unknown sources: Such files may contain hidden viruses that can compromise your device and steal sensitive information.
4. Strengthen account security: Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts and store them securely in a password manager.
5. Verify sources: Always ensure the authenticity of customer care numbers and banking communications before responding or sharing personal information.

The bigger picture

Scammers are exploiting the lack of awareness about recent financial regulations to target unsuspecting individuals. With increasing reliance on digital banking, customers must stay vigilant and informed to protect their assets.

If you receive any suspicious messages regarding PAN updates or account freezes, immediately report them to your bank and avoid clicking on any associated links.

Director Shankar’s much-anticipated film Game Changer has opened to a phenomenal response at the box office, raking in Rs 51.25 crore nett in India on its first day. Featuring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani in lead roles, the film has become one of the most talked-about releases in Indian cinema this year.

According to Sacnilk, the Telugu version of the film contributed significantly, earning Rs 42 crore nett, followed by Rs 7 crore from its Hindi version. The Tamil version added Rs 2.1 crore, while the Kannada and Malayalam versions contributed Rs 0.1 crore and Rs 0.05 crore, respectively.

Game Changer is a notable release for both its leads. It marks Ram Charan’s first solo film since Vinaya Vidheya Rama in 2019, which also happened to be Kiara Advani’s last Telugu project. Directed by Shankar, the movie reflects the filmmaker’s reputation for delivering larger-than-life cinematic experiences and festive blockbusters.

The movie boasts a stellar supporting cast, including SJ Suryah, Nassar, Brahmanandam, Vennela Kishore, and Murali Sharma, who have delivered commendable performances in their respective roles.

At a recent press event in Mumbai, Ram Charan expressed his excitement about collaborating with Shankar, describing it as a “dream come true.” The actor revealed how filmmaker SS Rajamouli had previously praised Shankar, calling him “the epitome of commercial cinema” and a pioneer who has “defined global cinema.”

With its impressive start, Game Changer is expected to maintain momentum in the coming days, setting the stage for a successful run at the box office. Fans and critics alike are lauding the movie for its grandeur, performances, and Shankar’s masterful direction.

A devastating scene from the Los Angeles wildfire has gone viral, capturing the heart-wrenching moment of a baby deer desperately fleeing through Altadena as flames consume over 10,000 acres.

The footage, shared by Jacob Wheeler of NBC Los Angeles, has been viewed more than 7 million times on X, drawing significant concern for the animals affected by this disaster.

In his post, Wheeler wrote, “Heartbreaking @NBCLA footage shows a baby deer running through Altadena as a wildfire burns over 10,000 acres.” The 31-second clip depicts the deer racing across a road in a frantic attempt to escape the advancing flames.

One user commented, “May we find compassion for all beings affected by the wildfires, including the deer in this heart-wrenching video. May our collective energy bring calm and peace to the situation.” Another added, “Poor babies. It is always those with the smallest voices that pay the highest price.”

The wildfire has not only uprooted countless residents but has also taken a severe toll on local wildlife, as scenes like this illustrate the broader ecological devastation.

Los Angeles is grappling with devastating wildfires that have left destruction in their wake, forcing thousands to evacuate and stretching firefighting resources to their limits. The infernos, which have destroyed thousands of structures and scorched vast tracts of land, have been described by authorities as some of the worst in California’s history.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna painted a grim picture of the situation, saying, “It looks as though an atomic bomb dropped in these areas,” during a press conference on Thursday.

A new fire broke out Thursday evening in the West Hills neighborhood, consuming over 900 acres in mere hours. Across Southern California, multiple wildfires have claimed at least 10 lives, displaced tens of thousands of residents, and razed entire neighborhoods. In total, the Pacific Palisades fire has burned over 19,000 acres, while the Altadena fire has destroyed 13,000 acres.

Nearly 180,000 residents are currently under evacuation orders. Pacific Palisades and Altadena, home to numerous celebrities like Paris Hilton and Anthony Hopkins, have been among the hardest-hit areas, with multi-million-dollar properties reduced to ash.

“This is absolutely an unprecedented, historic firestorm,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass during a briefing.