In recent years, scams and fraud cases have been increasing in Nepal, affecting thousands of people. Scammers are using new tricks and technology to steal money, personal data, and sensitive information. Whether it is online fraud, fake phone calls, or investment scams, people are falling into these traps.
In this article, we will discuss the most common scams in Nepal in 2025 and provide useful tips on how to stay safe.
How Many Scams Have Occurred?
The exact number of scams that have occurred in Nepal is difficult to determine, as many cases go unreported. However, according to various reports and news sources:
- In 2023, Nepal Police’s Cyber Bureau registered over 3,000 cases of online fraud and cybercrimes.
- The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) handled hundreds of financial fraud cases, including Ponzi schemes and bank frauds.
- The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) reported multiple digital payment frauds, particularly involving e-wallets and online banking scams.
- Land and property fraud cases increased significantly, with several high-profile arrests made in 2024.
- In 2025, scams have continued to evolve, with new types of fraud emerging in social media, banking, and online transactions.
Staying informed can help prevent falling victim to these frauds.

- Social Media and Messaging Scams
How This Scam Works
Scammers are using Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Viber to trick people. Some common methods include:
Fake Job Offers: Scammers post attractive job vacancies and ask for an “application fee” or personal details.
Lottery and Prize Scams: People receive messages saying they have won a lottery or a big prize. To claim the money, they are asked to send money first.
Fake Bank or Wallet Messages: Some scammers pretend to be from eSewa, Khalti, or banks and send messages saying the account is blocked. They ask for OTP, passwords, or other details.
How to Stay Safe
Never send money to unknown people online.
Do not share OTP, passwords, or personal details with anyone.
Report and block suspicious messages or accounts.
Always verify information by calling the official customer service.
- Fake Loan and Microfinance Scams
How This Scam Works
Many fraud cases have been reported where microfinance companies or individuals offer easy loans but later cheat people. Some examples include:
Loan Issued Without Consent: Some microfinance companies take loans using other people’s names without their knowledge.
High-Interest Rate Traps: Fake lenders offer quick loans with low interest, but later charge hidden fees and high interest rates.
How to Stay Safe
Always check your financial records and loan status.
Do not take loans from unregistered lenders.
If you receive a loan notice that you didn’t apply for, report it immediately.
- Online Shopping and E-Commerce Fraud
How This Scam Works
With the rise of online shopping, fake sellers and scam websites are increasing. Some common frauds include:
Fake Online Stores: Scammers create fake e-commerce websites and sell cheap products. After payment, the product is never delivered.
Low-Quality or Different Products: Some sellers deliver poor-quality or different products from what was advertised.
Advance Payment Scam: Some shops ask for full payment in advance and then disappear.
How to Stay Safe
Only buy from trusted online stores like Daraz, SastoDeal, or official brand websites.
Check customer reviews and ratings before buying.
Avoid paying in advance unless the seller is well-known.

- Phone Call Scams (Fake Bank or Government Calls)
How This Scam Works
Scammers call people pretending to be from banks, telecom companies, or government offices. They say:
Your bank account will be blocked unless you verify details.
You have won a lucky draw, send a small processing fee.
You have an unpaid tax/bill and must pay immediately.
After gaining trust, they ask for bank details, OTP, or money transfer.
How to Stay Safe
Never share your personal or banking details over the phone.
Remember: Banks never ask for OTP or passwords over calls.
If you receive such calls, hang up and report them.
- Fake Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams
How This Scam Works
Many people in Nepal have lost money in investment scams. Some common scams include:
Fake Crypto Investment: Scammers promise high returns on cryptocurrencies. They ask you to deposit money first, but later you lose access to your funds.
Ponzi Schemes: Fake companies collect money from new investors and use it to pay old investors. When they cannot pay, the company disappears.
How to Stay Safe
Never invest in unverified schemes that promise high profits with no risk.
Always research and verify investment companies.
If an offer sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.
- SIM Card and Mobile Fraud
How This Scam Works
Scammers use stolen or fake SIM cards to commit fraud. Some common tricks include:
Fake SIM Registration: Fraudsters register SIM cards under someone else’s name.
SIM Swap Scam: Scammers steal your phone number by convincing the telecom company to issue a duplicate SIM. This gives them access to bank accounts, OTPs, and personal messages.
How to Stay Safe
Regularly check how many SIM cards are registered under your name.
Never share your SIM details or OTP with anyone.
If your phone loses network for a long time, contact your telecom provider immediately.
- Real Estate and Land Fraud
How This Scam Works
Land scams are very common in Nepal. Some common frauds include:
Fake Land Ownership: Scammers sell land that does not belong to them.
Duplicate Land Documents: Some fraudsters create fake land ownership papers and sell the same property to multiple buyers.
Illegal Land Sales: Some brokers sell government land or disputed land.
How to Stay Safe
Always verify land ownership with the Land Revenue Office before buying.
Work with licensed real estate agents only.
Never buy land without proper legal documents and verification.

- Educational Scams (Fake Scholarships and Courses)
How This Scam Works
Many students fall into fake scholarship and education scams. Some examples include:
Fake Foreign Study Consultancies: Some consultancies take huge fees but do not provide real admission or visa support.
Online Course Scams: Some websites sell fake courses with no real value.
How to Stay Safe
Always verify universities and consultancies before paying.
Check for official accreditation of online courses.
Never trust anyone promising a 100% visa guarantee.
Final Tips to Stay Safe from Scams
Always verify information before making payments or sharing personal details.
Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for banking and social media.
Be skeptical about any offers that sound too good to be true.
Report scams to the police or related authorities.
By staying aware, you can protect yourself from fraud and keep your personal and financial information safe. Share this information with others to help them stay safe too!