Emerging Threat of Online Banking Scams in Nepal
A growing number of online scams targeting bank customers in Nepal have raised concerns among authorities, as cybercriminals are increasingly using deceptive “bank surveys” to steal money from unsuspecting users. The Nepal Police Cyber Bureau has issued a warning to the public, urging them to stay alert amid a sharp increase in digital banking fraud cases.
On Thursday, police arrested three individuals suspected of running an online scam that siphoned funds from victims’ bank accounts through fraudulent survey links that were circulated under the names of well-known commercial banks. The suspects were identified as Rajan Giri, 40, from Sangachokgadhi Municipality-11, Sindhupalchowk; Mina Lakandri, 26, from Champadevi Rural Municipality-8, Okhaldhunga, currently residing in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu; and Aditya Kumar, 26, from Bihar, India.
According to the police, the trio impersonated representatives of private banks and sent messages encouraging people to “participate in a customer service survey” or “complete the survey to receive a cash bonus.” Once victims entered their personal details and One-Time Passwords (OTPs), the fraudsters gained access to their online banking credentials, enabling them to quickly transfer money from the victims’ accounts.
Investigators believe that the scam’s software was developed overseas, while the arrested individuals were primarily low-level operatives responsible for posting fake advertisements on social media and sending links using banks’ logos and branding.
Following multiple complaints from defrauded customers, the Cyber Bureau launched a technical investigation that led to the Chhaya Center Complex in Thamel, Kathmandu, where all three suspects were arrested. During the raid, police seized Nepali and foreign currency, ATM cards from various banks, mobile phones, SIM cards with Indian numbers, and casino membership cards.
The Kathmandu District Court has extended the suspects’ remand for five days as police continue their investigation under charges of electronic fraud and cybercrime.
Superintendent of Police Deepak Raj Awasthi, spokesperson for the Cyber Bureau, highlighted that this case reflects a larger trend. “We register an average of 50 to 60 cases of online banking fraud every month,” he said. “More than 1,600 cyber fraud cases have already been reported this fiscal year alone.”
Awasthi attributed the surge in scams to low digital literacy, noting that even well-educated individuals have fallen victim. “Engineers, doctors, journalists – even young, tech-savvy users – come to us after being defrauded,” he said. “People must remember one simple rule: never click on unknown links, never share your OTP, and only trust official channels of banks and institutions.”
Authorities have once again warned the public not to click on suspicious survey or reward links, no matter how convincing they appear. Police caution that a single careless click could result in the loss of one’s entire bank balance.