Top 10 Online Scams in Nepal and How to Avoid Them

As Nepal embraces digital transformation, with widespread smartphone adoption and increasing internet access, online platforms have become integral to daily life. From e-commerce to digital payments, innovations like eSewa have revolutionized financial transactions since 2009. However, this digital surge has also led to a rise in online scams, exploiting both individuals and businesses. The Nepal Police Cyber Bureau reported 4,646 cybercrime cases in the last fiscal year, including 460 online store frauds and 37 fake social media account scams. This article outlines the top 10 online scams prevalent in Nepal and provides practical strategies to avoid them, empowering readers to navigate the digital landscape safely.

1. Fake E-commerce Websites

Scammers create sophisticated websites mimicking legitimate online stores, offering trendy clothes, electronics, or luxury goods at discounted prices. After collecting payments, these sites either deliver counterfeit products or disappear entirely. For instance, victims like Sujata Sharma have reported non-delivery after paying online stores like Nancy Fashion on Instagram.

How to Avoid:

Verify the website’s legitimacy by checking for HTTPS and a valid domain (e.g., avoid URLs like “Amazon.net”).
Research reviews on platforms like Reddit or trusted consumer forums.
Use secure payment methods like eSewa’s escrow service, which holds funds until delivery is confirmed.
Avoid stores with no clear refund or return policies, as Nepal lacks robust consumer protection laws for online transactions.

2. Social Media Shopping Scams

Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are hotspots for scams where sellers advertise low-priced goods, request advance payments, and then vanish. A Reddit user reported ordering clothes from an Instagram page, only to receive no delivery and no response after 10 days.

How to Avoid:

Purchase only from verified stores with a physical address or registered business details (e.g., VAT/PAN number).
Check seller reviews and avoid pages with suspiciously low prices or limited contact information.
Use eSewa or other secure payment platforms to freeze accounts if fraud is detected.
Report suspicious accounts to the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau via their online portal.

3. Phishing Scams

Phishing involves fraudulent emails, texts, or social media messages impersonating banks, e-wallets like eSewa, or other trusted entities. Scammers trick users into sharing OTPs, login credentials, or personal details, leading to financial theft. Older individuals are often targeted due to lower digital literacy.

How to Avoid:

Never share OTPs or login details, even if the message appears urgent or legitimate.
Verify communications directly through official bank or e-wallet websites.
Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts.
Educate family members, especially seniors, about recognizing phishing attempts.

4. Romance and Sextortion Scams

Scammers build fake online relationships via social media or dating apps, manipulating victims into sending money or sharing intimate images, which are then used for blackmail. The Cyber Bureau has noted cases WAN/PHONE cases involving fake nudes or explicit content.

How to Avoid:

Be cautious of rapid online relationships, especially if the person avoids video calls or in-person meetings.
Never send money or compromising images to unknown individuals.
Keep social media profiles private and limit shared personal information.
Report threats to the Cyber Bureau immediately.

5. Fake Job Offer Scams

Scammers post fraudulent job listings requiring upfront payments for “mandatory training” or registration fees. After payment, victims are informed no positions are available. These scams often target job seekers on social media platforms.

How to Avoid:

Verify job postings through official company websites or direct contact.
Avoid paying any fees before signing a contract.
Research the employer’s reputation and check for registration with relevant authorities.
Report suspicious job offers to the Cyber Bureau.

6. Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Schemes

MLM scams promise high returns for selling products (e.g., beauty items or green tea) and recruiting others. Participants often lose money as the focus shifts to recruitment rather than sales. These schemes have resurged as online job offers in Nepal.

How to Avoid:

Be skeptical of offers promising quick wealth through recruitment.
Research the company’s business model and product legitimacy.
Avoid schemes requiring upfront investments for inventory or membership.
Consult trusted financial advisors before joining.

7. Fake Rental Listings

Scammers post attractive apartment or room listings at low prices, requesting advance payments to secure the property. After payment, they disappear, leaving victims without a rental.

How to Avoid:

Visit the property or request a video tour before paying.
Use trusted rental platforms with secure payment options.
Avoid rushed payments or deals that seem too good to be true.
Check landlord credentials and reviews from previous tenants.

8. Cryptocurrency and Foreign Lottery Scams

Foreign scammers contact victims via social media, offering cheap iPhones, visas, or lottery winnings in exchange for cryptocurrency payments like Bitcoin. These offers are fraudulent, and payments are untraceable.

How to Avoid:

Avoid transactions involving cryptocurrencies with unknown parties.
Verify offers through official channels (e.g., embassies for visas).
Be wary of unsolicited messages promising large rewards.
Report suspicious offers to the Cyber Bureau.

9. Social Media Account Hacking

Hackers compromise celebrity or acquaintance accounts to send fraudulent money requests or malicious links, such as the Coca-Cola Welfare Fund survey scam, which steals account access.

How to Avoid:

Enable 2FA and use strong, unique passwords for social media accounts.
Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, even from known contacts.
Regularly monitor account activity for unauthorized access.
Report hacked accounts to the platform and Cyber Bureau.

10. Formjacking

In formjacking, hackers target legitimate retail websites, redirecting users to fake payment pages to steal credit card details. Victims may receive counterfeit goods or nothing at all.

How to Avoid:

Double-check the payment page URL matches the official website.
Use credit cards with fraud protection for online purchases.
Avoid entering payment details on unfamiliar or suspicious sites.
Install reputable antivirus software to detect malicious redirects.

Why Online Scams Are Rising in Nepal

The rise in online scams in Nepal is driven by several factors:

Limited Digital Literacy: Especially in rural areas, many lack awareness of scam tactics.
Weak Legal Framework: Nepal’s outdated laws and lack of consumer courts allow scammers to operate with minimal consequences.
Anonymous Transactions: Scammers use fake identities, temporary numbers, and untraceable payment methods, complicating enforcement.
Cross-Border Challenges: Many scammers operate from outside Nepal, creating jurisdictional issues.

The Nepal Police Cyber Bureau faces challenges due to limited technical capacity and inconsistent digital evidence standards in courts, making prosecution difficult.

General Tips to Stay Safe

Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scam tactics through resources like Tech Aware Nepal.
Verify Sources: Always check the legitimacy of websites, sellers, or job offers before sharing personal or financial information.
Use Secure Platforms: Opt for trusted payment gateways like eSewa, which offer fraud protection features.
Report Scams: File complaints with the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau, providing evidence like payment receipts and messages.
Raise Awareness: Share experiences on platforms like Reddit to warn others and build community awareness.

Online scams in Nepal, from fake e-commerce sites to phishing and sextortion, pose significant risks in the country’s rapidly growing digital landscape. The Nepal Police Cyber Bureau’s data underscores the urgency of addressing these threats, with thousands of cases reported annually. By staying vigilant, verifying sources, and using secure payment methods, individuals can protect themselves. Tech Aware Nepal encourages consumers to prioritize digital literacy and report suspicious activities to the Cyber Bureau to foster a safer online environment. For more resources, visit npCert or contact the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau.