True Story: Scholarship Scam Targeting Students in Nepal
Sunita, an 18-year-old student from Biratnagar, had just completed her +2 exams and was dreaming of studying abroad. Coming from a modest family, she relied on scholarships to pursue her education. One day, while browsing Instagram, she came across an advertisement promising a “Fully Funded Scholarship to Study in Australia.” The ad, posted by an account claiming to be an international education consultancy, invited her to apply via WhatsApp for a “limited-time offer.”
Excited, Sunita messaged the provided WhatsApp number. The person on the other end, who introduced themselves as a “scholarship coordinator,” assured her that she qualified for the program. They sent official-looking documents, including a scholarship award letter with a university logo. To secure her spot, Sunita was asked to pay NPR 20,000 as an “application processing fee” through a mobile payment app. Trusting the professional tone and documents, she borrowed money from her uncle and sent the payment. The coordinator then requested an additional NPR 10,000 for “document verification.” Growing suspicious, Sunita asked for a refund, but the WhatsApp number was blocked, and the Instagram account disappeared. She lost NPR 30,000 and her hopes of studying abroad were shattered.
Warning! Scholarship scams are increasingly targeting Nepali students through social media platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook. These scams exploit students’ dreams of education, demanding fees for fake opportunities.
How Did This Scam Work?
The scammers employed several deceptive tactics to trick Sunita:
- Fake Opportunities: They advertised fully funded scholarships to prestigious universities, preying on students’ aspirations.
- Forged Documents: They used professional-looking letters and logos to appear legitimate.
- Multiple Fees: They requested incremental payments for “processing” and “verification,” making each seem necessary.
- Pressure Tactics: They created urgency by claiming the offer was time-sensitive, discouraging thorough checks.
- Untraceable Channels: They operated through temporary social media accounts and WhatsApp numbers, vanishing after receiving payments.
How to Avoid Such Scams?
Safety Tips:
- Verify scholarship offers through official university or government websites. Legitimate scholarships rarely require upfront fees.
- Avoid sharing personal or financial information with unverified contacts on social media or messaging apps.
- Research the organization offering the scholarship. Check reviews, contact official numbers, and confirm their legitimacy.
- Be cautious of offers that pressure you to act quickly or pay fees before receiving formal acceptance.
- If you suspect a scam, report it to Nepal Police’s Cyber Bureau (cyberbureau@nepalpolice.gov.np) or seek advice from trusted educational institutions.
Spread Awareness
Sunita’s experience highlights the growing threat of scholarship scams targeting Nepali students. Many young dreamers fall victim to these schemes, losing money and trust. By sharing this story, we can protect others from similar frauds. Spread the word with your peers, family, and on social media, and explore Tech Aware Nepal for more resources to stay safe online.
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