Don't Get Fooled: 10 Common Tech Scams and Phishing Attacks in Nepal

Protect your money! Learn about the 10 most common tech scams and phishing attacks targeting people in Nepal and how to stay safe online.

The digital revolution in Nepal has brought incredible opportunities, from mobile banking to remote freelance work. Unfortunately, it has also opened the door for sophisticated scammers. Every day, hundreds of Nepalis lose their hard-earned money to "easy income" traps and fake alerts.

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To protect yourself and your family, you must recognize the tactics scammers use. Here are the 10 most common tech scams currently circulating in Nepal.

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1. The Telegram Task Scam

This is currently the most popular scam in Nepal. You get an unsolicited message on Telegram or WhatsApp offering a job: "Like YouTube videos" or "Rate hotels" to earn money.

• The Trap: They actually pay you a small amount (e.g., Rs. 500) at first to build trust. Then, they ask you to "invest" or "deposit" money to unlock "VIP tasks" with higher payouts. Once you send a large amount, they block you.

2. eSewa and Khalti Phishing

Scammers call you pretending to be "Customer Support" from eSewa, Khalti, or your bank.

• The Trap: They claim your account is about to be blocked or you need to "verify your KYC." They ask for your OTP (One-Time Password) or PIN. The moment you share it, they drain your wallet.

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3. The Social Media Friend in Distress

A friend or relative messages you on Facebook or Instagram saying they are in an emergency (hospital bill, lost wallet) and need money urgently via eSewa.

• The Trap: Your friend's account has actually been hacked. The scammer is messaging everyone on their friend list. Always call the person directly to verify before sending money.

4. Fake Lottery and Prize Scams

You receive a message or a call (often from a +92 or +1 number) claiming you’ve won a lucky draw from Ncell, Coca-Cola, or a popular TV show like KBC.

• The Trap: To claim the prize, you are asked to pay a small tax or processing fee first. Legitimate lotteries never ask for money upfront.

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5. Facebook Marketplace Advance Payment Fraud

You find a great deal on a second-hand iPhone or bike on Facebook Marketplace or Hamrobazar.

• The Trap: The seller insists on a "booking amount" or "delivery fee" via digital wallet before meeting. Once you pay, the ad is deleted, and the seller vanishes.

6. Fake Online Job Advertisements

Sponsored ads on Facebook often promise "Work from Home" jobs with famous brands like Amazon, Temu, or Ikea.

• The Trap: They ask for a "registration fee" or "security deposit" for the equipment they will supposedly send you. Real employers never ask you to pay to get a job.

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7. Remote Access Scams (AnyDesk/TeamViewer)

A "tech support" person calls saying your computer or mobile banking has a virus.

• The Trap: They ask you to install a remote access app like AnyDesk. Once you give them the code, they can see your screen, watch you type your passwords, and control your device.

8. Online Loan App Blackmail

Many "Easy Loan" apps on the Play Store offer small loans instantly without paperwork.

• The Trap: These apps steal your contacts and gallery data. If you are even one day late on payment, they threaten to send edited/inappropriate photos to your entire contact list.

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9. Romance and "Pig-Butchering" Scams

A stranger (often appearing as a beautiful woman or successful man) starts a long-term online friendship or romance with you.

• The Trap: After months of building trust, they "invite" you to invest in a fake cryptocurrency platform or a high-return scheme. You see "fake profits" on the screen, but you can never withdraw your money.

10. Fake KYC Update SMS

You get an SMS that looks official, saying: "Your bank account will be suspended today. Click here to update your KYC: [link]."

• The Trap: The link leads to a fake website that looks exactly like your bank’s login page. When you enter your username and password, the scammer steals them instantly.

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How to Stay Safe: 3 Golden Rules

• Never Share Your OTP: No bank or wallet employee will ever ask for your OTP, PIN, or Password.
• Verify Offline: If someone asks for money (even a friend), call them on their actual phone number first.
• Avoid "Easy Money": If an offer sounds too good to be true (like earning Rs. 5,000 a day for liking videos), it is 100% a scam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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• What should I do if I have been scammed?
• Immediately contact the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police at Bhotahity, Kathmandu, or email them at cyberbureau@nepalpolice.gov.np with screenshots and transaction details.
• Can I get my money back from a digital wallet scam?
• If you act quickly (within minutes), eSewa or Khalti may be able to freeze the scammer's account. However, once the money is withdrawn, it is very difficult to recover.
• Is it safe to click on links in SMS?
• No. Always go directly to the official website or app of your bank rather than clicking a link sent via SMS or WhatsApp.

Staying safe in the digital world requires constant vigilance. By recognizing these 10 scams, you are already ahead of the criminals. Share this guide with your friends and family. It might save someone from a major financial loss.