A digital scam is fraudulent activity carried out through the internet, mobile phones, social media or electronic payment systems. Scammers try to deceive people into doing something that benefits the fraudster.

These are reported complaints, not confirmed fraud convictions, according to Nepal Police figures cited in reporting from 2026. See reporting from The Rising Nepal.

In October 2026, Nepal Rastra Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit warned that digital fraud risks could rise during Dashain, Tihar and other festivals, when online transactions increase. Fake rewards, shopping discounts, KYC-update prompts and payment links are common warning signs.

Tap or click a scam type to expand the example and learn how to avoid it.

01Fake eSewa, Khalti and mobile banking messages⌄

Example: “Your wallet has been temporarily blocked. Verify your identity immediately using this link.”

The message may mimic a trusted payment provider, but the link may lead to a fake login page that steals your credentials or OTP.

✅ How to stay safe

• Open the official wallet or banking app directly instead of using an SMS link.
• Never disclose your OTP, PIN or password.
• Check transaction alerts and use verified customer-support channels.

02Fake online shopping offers⌄

Example: A Facebook or TikTok ad promises “Branded shoes worth NPR 6,000 — today only NPR 999!” The unknown seller demands an advance wallet payment and disappears afterward.

✅ How to stay safe

• Research the seller and look for independent reviews.
• Be suspicious of exceptionally low prices and pressure to pay immediately.
• Use trusted shopping platforms and protected payment methods; consider cash on delivery when available.

03OTP and password theft⌄

Example: Someone claiming to be from a bank says, “Tell us the code you just received so we can verify your account.” A shared code may let the scammer authorize an unwanted action.

✅ How to stay safe

• Never tell anyone an OTP, including someone claiming to work for your bank.
• Keep passwords, recovery codes and transaction PINs private.
• Contact the institution using a phone number or app you independently verified.

04Fake scholarships and student opportunities⌄

Example: A poster advertises a full scholarship but requests a “registration fee” of NPR 500 and personal records through an unverified application form.

✅ How to stay safe

• Confirm announcements on the official institution’s website or through verified contacts.
• Question unusual advance payments and unverifiable scholarship schemes.
• Do not send citizenship documents or sensitive records to unknown accounts.

05Fake online jobs and easy-money schemes⌄

Example: A Telegram or WhatsApp group promises “Earn NPR 3,000 every day by liking videos.” It pays a small amount at first, then demands deposits to unlock more tasks.

✅ How to stay safe

• Question unusually high earnings for minimal work.
• Never transfer money to unknown people just to receive wages or unlock jobs.
• Verify the employer’s identity and business details independently.

06Hacked Facebook and Messenger accounts⌄

Example: A friend’s Messenger account suddenly says, “I urgently need NPR 2,000 — send it to this wallet number.” Their account may have been compromised.

✅ How to stay safe

• Call the person using a number you already know.
• Confirm money requests through a separate trusted channel.
• Never assume a familiar account guarantees an authentic message.

07Fake QR codes and suspicious links⌄

Example: A QR code claiming to offer a prize takes you to an unfamiliar site or directs payment to the wrong recipient. A QR code is only a shortcut — it is not proof of safety.

✅ How to stay safe

• Inspect where QR codes and links lead before proceeding.
• Confirm the recipient name and amount before paying.
• Do not enter passwords or OTPs on unfamiliar pages.

Check off the habits you already practice. The checklist is private and stays on this page.

If you have sent money to a suspected fraudster or disclosed account details, take these steps immediately.

1. Contact your bank or digital wallet

   Use official eSewa, Khalti or banking support channels. Flag the transaction and ask whether transfers or account access can be restricted. Recovery is not guaranteed.

2. Secure affected accounts

   Change compromised passwords using a trusted device, sign out of unfamiliar sessions, enable two-factor authentication and review account changes.

3. Preserve evidence

   Save screenshots, advertisements, profile links, phone numbers, wallet transaction IDs, payment receipts, dates, amounts and relevant chat history. Do not erase evidence.

4. Report to Nepal Police Cyber Bureau

   Use the official cybercrime reporting page ↗, email cyberbureau@nepalpolice.gov.np, call 01-5319044, or contact your nearest police office. Follow current instructions on the official site.

5. Follow up with the payment provider

   For unresolved financial-service complaints, Nepal Rastra Bank provides the Gunaso grievance portal ↗. This does not replace a police report for suspected crime.

AI tools can help create convincing fake messages, imitated writing styles, misleading pictures and synthetic voices. For example, a student may receive an urgent audio message that sounds like someone they know.

Do not assume a voice or photo proves a person’s identity. Verify unexpected requests using a separate contact method you already trust. The essential skill is verification before action.