Scams in Nepal have become much more sophisticated. It's no longer just the obvious "you won a lottery" SMS. Now it's polished Telegram groups with "expert signals," fake trading apps that show huge profits until you try to withdraw, and calls from someone claiming to be your bank.
The tools change. The tricks underneath mostly don't.
Red flags
- Guaranteed high returns: "3% per month, no risk." Real investments don't work like that.
- Pressure to hurry: "Only today," "last few seats," "decide now."
- Pay to a personal account or eSewa/Khalti wallet instead of a company account.
- Recruit friends to earn more: classic pyramid structure.
- Screenshots as proof: fake profit screenshots and "approved by SEBON" logos are easy to make.
- Asking for OTP, PIN or remote access (AnyDesk, TeamViewer). No genuine bank, broker or CDSC staff will ever ask.
Before sending any money
Check the company yourself on the official website of the relevant regulator: SEBON for securities and brokers, NRB for banks and financial institutions, and the Nepal Insurance Authority for insurers. Find the phone number independently. Don't use the one in the message.
Ask simple questions: how exactly is this return generated? What happens if it goes wrong? How do I withdraw? Vague answers are your answer.
If you think you've been hit
- Call your bank or broker immediately using the number on their official website or your card.
- Change your passwords from a device you trust.
- Keep every screenshot, message and transaction slip.
- Report it to the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau.
And watch out for the second scam: someone who contacts you offering to "recover" your lost money for a fee. That's almost always the same people, or new ones who heard you're an easy target.
Share this with your parents and relatives. They're often the ones these scammers target first.
General information, not personal financial advice. Rules, rates and fees change, so check with the official source before you act.
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