Nepal Police Issues Seven-Point Advisory to Prevent Online Fraud

Nepal Police has issued a seven-point advisory urging the public to stay alert against rising cases of online fraud.

A public notice issued by the Kathmandu District Police Range states that incidents of people losing money after falling for online scams have been increasing on a daily basis.

Spokesperson for the Police Range Pawan Kumar Bhattarai said the advisory aims to raise awareness, as many citizens have been sending money after being lured by false promises. According to him, scammers are using Facebook, IMO, WhatsApp, Viber, Instagram and other platforms to send messages such as “You have won a lottery; to receive the money, you must first pay a fee (tax),” and then tricking people into transferring money.

The notice urges the public to verify official sellers before making online payments and to remain cautious even when paying cash.

“There is an increasing risk of unknown individuals making video calls, recording the call, editing it to appear obscene and then blackmailing victims for money. Please stay alert,” Bhattarai said.

He also advised people to verify requests for financial help made through social media by directly contacting friends or relatives. “Their accounts may have been hacked, so verification is essential,” he said.

The advisory further warns the public not to send advance payments for goods advertised at unusually low prices on social media or other online platforms, as such schemes are often fraudulent.

Nepal Police has also requested people not to open links sent by unknown or new social media accounts, not to share their OTP codes with anyone, not to give screen access to others, not to post sensitive information online, and not to share passwords or personal details even with close friends or family members. -- RSS