The digital revolution has brought convenience to our fingertips, but it has also opened the door to a rising number of scams in Nepal. From fake online stores to fraudulent job offers, many innocent people are losing their hard-earned money every day.

This blog will walk you through the most common scams happening in Nepal, with real cases, red flags, and actionable advice. Let’s equip ourselves and others to stay one step ahead of scammers.

1. Fake Online Shopping Scams

The Setup

Fraudsters create social media pages (usually on Facebook or Instagram) with attractive furniture or electronics priced far below the market rate. These pages often feature fake testimonials and photos to appear legitimate.

The Trap

Victims are asked to pay in advance via digital wallets like eSewa or bank transfer to “book” the item. A delivery date is promised — but once the scammers collect enough payments, they vanish.

Real Example

A page advertised designer sofas worth Rs. 60,000 for just Rs. 15,000. Dozens made advance payments. None received the product.

Warning Signs

• Unrealistically low prices
• No physical store or registration
• Only advance payments accepted
• Limited communication channels (mostly Messenger or WhatsApp)

2. Fake Gift Vouchers & Prize Scams

The Setup

You receive an SMS, WhatsApp, or Viber message saying you've won a gift card, lottery, or cash prize.

The Trap

To "claim" your prize, you're asked to pay a processing fee ranging from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000. Once you pay, they disappear.

Real Example

“Congratulations! You’ve won Rs. 50,000 from Coca-Cola. Send Rs. 2,999 to claim it.” No prize ever arrives.

Warning Signs

• You never entered the contest
• Payment is required to receive a free gift
• Messages come from unofficial channels
• Poor grammar or suspicious links

3. Fake Online Job Offers

The Setup

Scammers message people offering simple tasks like liking pages, writing reviews, or giving star ratings.

The Trap

After completing sample tasks and submitting screenshots, you're promised payment that never comes. Some ask for a “membership fee” to unlock higher-paying jobs.

Real Example

A scam offered Rs. 100 per task. After 5 tasks and screenshots, victims were ghosted or told to contact "accounting" — who never replied.

Warning Signs

• No official website or company credentials
• Payment demands before real job assignments
• Repeated delays in compensation

4. Phishing via Bank & Wallet Links

The Setup

You receive an SMS or email that looks like it’s from your bank or e-wallet provider claiming your account is suspended or blocked.

The Trap

The message includes a link to “verify” your identity. It opens a fake login page that steals your credentials. Once you enter your OTP, they immediately access and drain your account.

Real Example

Dozens reported receiving fake IME Pay messages saying: “Your account will be blocked. Verify now: [phishing link]”

Warning Signs

• Link URL doesn’t match the official domain
• Urgent tone or fear-based language
• Asks for OTP or password (real banks never do this)

5. Travel & Visa Processing Scams

The Setup

Fake consultancies offer job placements abroad (e.g., UAE, Canada, Romania) with guaranteed visas.

The Trap

They ask for advance payments (Rs. 10,000–50,000) for processing. Victims wait months with excuses or are ghosted entirely.

Real Example

People were offered a "Romanian factory job" via Facebook ads. After paying Rs. 30,000, the agent never replied again.

Warning Signs

• No registered office
• No receipts or contracts
• Vague job roles and conditions

6. Parcel Delivery Clearance Scam

The Setup

You receive a message or call saying you've got a parcel from overseas — maybe from a friend, relative, or someone you met online.

The Trap

They claim customs requires a clearance fee (Rs. 5,000–10,000). Once paid, the parcel never shows up.

Real Example

A person met someone on Instagram who later said they were sending a gift. A “custom officer” then asked for Rs. 7,000. No parcel ever came.

Warning Signs

• You never ordered or expected any parcel
• Emotional manipulation if part of an online relationship
• Demands for fast payment

How to Protect Yourself from Scams in Nepal

• Be Skeptical – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Verify the Source – Call official customer service or search for reviews before taking action.
• Don’t Share OTP or Passwords – No company will ask you for them.
• Demand Documentation – Ask for contracts, payment receipts, and proof of registration for jobs or purchases.
• Report Fraud – If you fall victim, report it to:
  - Nepal Police – Cyber Bureau
  - Your bank or e-wallet provider
  - Social media platforms (to block scam pages)

???? Share Your Experience

Have you or someone you know encountered a scam? Share your story in the comments or message me directly. Your experience might help save someone else!

Let’s Stay Aware & Help Each Other

Scammers thrive on confusion, urgency, and trust. But with awareness and community sharing, we can build a safer digital Nepal.

If you think you're being scammed or want to discuss a suspicious case, don’t hesitate — get in touch with me. I’d be happy to talk and guide you through the right steps.

Let’s expose the scammers — one story at a time. Share this blog and protect someone today.