Most Common Digital Scams in Nepal You Should Know

Most Common Digital Scams in Nepal You Should Know

Nepal has seen the rapid uprising of online platforms. In the recent time, the transition of Nepali population towards digital technologies have seen upward trends thanks to innovation and evolution in the science and technology. The digital payment revolution started in Nepal during 2009 with the inception of eSewa, the trends have hit the peak due to the ease and convenience they offer.  

Nepal has half way gone through “from line to online” for many tasks, especially in the payment related fields. eSewa’s easy, reliable and secure digital solutions for financial needs have changed the financial landscapes of the nation. From simple everyday payments like mobile topup to future scaled investments in mutual funds, Nepal has been doing it all online with eSewa. 

With the rise of digital platforms and shifting to digital culture, one major challenge Nepal has seen recently is the increasing number of digital scams, mostly digital financial scams. 

What is Digital Financial Scams ?

Any fraudulent activities that occurs through digital platforms with an intention to deceive individuals and steal money or personal information are digital financial scams. These scams often involve misleading offers, fake websites, phishing emails, or fake apps designed to trick people into providing sensitive financial details, such as bank account numbers, passwords, or credit card information.

As more people in Nepal use mobile banking and e-wallets, scammers can steal money through quick, anonymous transactions. With online shopping becoming more popular, fake websites and counterfeit products are also increasing. All these factors make it easier for scammers to take advantage of people. It’s important for everyone, both young and old, to stay careful and learn how to spot scams. The government, businesses, and schools should work together to raise awareness and make stronger laws to fight online scams.

Digital Scams in Nepal 

Online scams are indeed increasing drastically in Nepal affecting both individuals and businesses. Several reasons are behind this rise. First, many people, especially in rural areas, don’t know enough about online scams and how to spot them, making them easy targets. With more people using the internet for services like shopping and banking, they are also exposed to more risks. Scammers from around the world can easily trick Nepali people using clever methods.

Despite having strict laws and legal frameworks for online related wrongdoings, it has been particularly challenging to control such prevalence due to several factors, including the popularity of online platforms and large number of users. Social media, while helpful, also allows scammers to create fake profiles, ask for money, or spread lies to trick others. Criminals are also turning to online scams because they can make a lot of money with little effort. Here are some of the most common online scams prevailing in Nepal:

1. Investment Scams

Scammers convince people to invest money by promising high-return profits, usually through messages on platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. After people invest, the scammer disappears with the money. These kind of offers often come from overseas users. Scammers often tries to convince you by sending screenshot of payment proofs and testimonials.

To protect yourself, always check if an investment is real by researching the company and looking for reviews. Avoid quick investment offers, especially from strangers. Never send money without proper verification, and be careful with cryptocurrency and wire transfers. If something sounds too good to be true, it’s likely a scam. Report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

2. Lottery and Gift Scams

Scammers claim that you’ve won a big prize or lottery, often through messages on WhatsApp, Viber, or email. They will then ask you to pay taxes, processing fees, or delivery charges before you can receive the prize. Once you send the money, the scammer disappears, and the prize never arrives

As legitimate lotteries never ask for upfront fees. So, verify claims through official sources and ignore messages from unknown numbers, especially those creating urgency. Never share personal details, banking info, or OTPs. Watch for red flags like poor grammar and unknown senders. If you get such messages, don’t respond—block and report them to the concerned.

3. Romance and Sextortion Scams:

Romance and sextortion scams occur when fraudsters create fake profiles on social media to gain trust and develop online relationships, often targeting young individuals. Over time, they request money using fabricated reasons or manipulate victims into sharing private images or videos, then threaten to expose them unless paid.

Be wary of online relationships that move too fast, especially if the person avoids video calls or meetings. To avoid romance and sextortion scams, be cautious with online relationships, never send money or intimate photos to strangers, and report any threats to authorities. Keep social media accounts private and stay alert to potential scams.

4. Phishing and OTP Scams:

Scammers often impersonate bank or digital wallet representatives, contacting victims through phone calls, emails, or text messages. They claim issues with the victim’s account or offer urgent deals, asking for sensitive information like OTPs or login details. Once they have this info, they can steal money or commit fraud. Older individuals are frequently targeted due to a lack of familiarity with technology and scams. Raising awareness and educating people, especially seniors, is crucial to protect them.

As banks and digital wallets never ask for OTPs, passwords, or PINs. To avoid scams, never share sensitive info unsolicited, verify callers through official channels, enable two-factor authentication, and stay vigilant about suspicious activity. Educate others, especially seniors, on common scam tactics.

5. Impersonation Scams:

Hackers gain access to your social media accounts, such as Facebook, and create fake posts or messages pretending to be you. They then contact your friends and family, asking for money or other forms of help, often claiming an emergency situation, when in fact it’s all part of the scam.

To protect yourself, use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security. Regularly check your accounts for unusual activity. If you receive urgent requests for money, verify them directly with the person through a call or in person before taking action.

6. Fake eCommerce Scam:

Scammers create fake shops sites like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok with an intention to scam people. They advertisement merchandise and products in the digital mediums and persuade users to order  never deliver the products or jobs, disappearing with the money. In most of the cases, scammers blocks users from their pages and disappear with the advance payment victims paid. 

Always verify the legitimacy of online shops or job offers before making any payments. Check for reviews, ratings, and a physical address or contact details. Be cautious of offers that require upfront payments or seem too good to be true. Research the company or seller through trusted sources and avoid sharing personal or financial information with unfamiliar accounts. If the offer feels suspicious, it’s better to avoid it or report it to the platform. Use eSewa eScrow to make online payments to unknown sellers. 

7. Fake Job Advertisement Scams 

Online job-related scams are fraudulent schemes where scammers deceive individuals by offering fake job opportunities. These scams often promise high-paying jobs with little effort or ask for personal information or payment upfront for job placement or training. The scammers may use professional-sounding websites, emails, or fake job listings to appear legitimate. Once victims share their details or make a payment, the scammer disappears, leaving the individual with no job or financial loss.

It’s important to research job offers carefully and avoid paying for job opportunities. Restrain from paying administrative or training fees for jobs advertised online. Most job outsourcing companies do not ask for upfront payment for job opportunities, and chances of doing it all online are almost zero. 

8. Flat Rent Scams

Scammers post fake rental listings for apartments or rooms on websites or social media, offering attractive prices. After convincing potential renters to send an advance payment to secure the flat, they vanish, leaving the victim with no property and no way to contact them.

Always check if a rental listing is real by visiting the property or asking for a video tour. Be careful if the price seems too low or if you’re rushed to pay. Don’t send money before signing a lease or meeting the landlord. Look for reviews or ask locals about the place. Use trusted rental websites that offer safe payment options. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and keep looking for other options.

Being aware of various online scams and staying cautious when sharing personal information is key to avoiding fraud. Scammers often trick people by pretending to be someone they trust, offering too-good-to-be-true deals, or creating fake emergencies to steal money or sensitive details. By keeping your information private, verifying offers before taking action, and being skeptical of unsolicited requests, you can protect yourself from falling victim. It’s important to stay alert, trust your instincts, and use secure methods when sharing any personal or financial details online.