Fraudsters who exploit new technologies are becoming increasingly active. Crimes such as theft, robbery, and fraud evolve alongside technological advances. The tricks once used to steal cash from people’s pockets are now deployed to siphon off digital assets stored on mobile phones. As technology progresses, so do those intent on misusing it. In recent years, with the rapid expansion of information technology in Nepal, the nature of fraud has significantly changed. In response, Nepal Police has issued a seven-point advisory to help the public avoid online scams. When people fall victim, the police are the first institution they turn to for help. Therefore, the police are urging people to take preventive measures before becoming victims. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure—and in the online world, caution remains the simplest and most cost-effective defence against fraud. As highlighted by the District Police Range Kathmandu, all police units should provide guidance on avoiding online scams. Local governments must also take these issues seriously and run awareness campaigns. The days of answering every phone call or opening every message are long gone. It is impossible to know when a phone call or online activity may lead to trouble. Digital platforms must therefore be used with prudence.
Tech Sovereignty: A Quest for Nepal
Most scams today occur through WhatsApp and similar platforms. Fraudsters often send messages seeking help, appearing to be from close relatives or friends. Believing their loved ones are in distress, many people respond immediately—only to fall into a trap. Numerous schemes offering jobs or quick financial gains circulate online, while others falsely claim the recipient has won a lottery. Social media has become an integral part of people’s lives, yet the methods of fraud across platforms—Facebook, IMO, WhatsApp, Viber, Instagram, and others—are largely similar. Once aware that others have fallen victim, people should avoid repeating the same mistakes. A wise individual learns not only from personal experience but also from the experiences of others. The more openly such scams are discussed, the better equipped people become to protect themselves. Individuals, too, must actively seek out preventive measures. In societies where people are easily deceived, the risk of technological misuse rises proportionately. Lottery scams often begin by requesting “fees” or “taxes” from victims. Online job offers also mislead many, while scams promising high returns from small investments remain common. Even highly educated individuals have fallen prey to such schemes, with police records showing a significant rise in cases. As victims increase, the police face mounting challenges in managing and investigating complaints. Only when cases remain manageable can investigations and prosecutions proceed effectively—if numbers continue to rise, the burden becomes overwhelming.
Online platforms are now woven into everyday life. From shopping to daily tasks, people rely heavily on digital services. In the past, one had to stand in long queues at banks for financial transactions; today, these can be completed instantly through a mobile phone. But with convenience comes risk. Many pay for products only to receive items of substandard quality. To avoid such problems, consumers must identify authorised sellers and ensure transactions are conducted securely. There is also the growing threat of fraud through video calls from unknown individuals. Scammers may record obscene videos and use them for blackmail. Out of fear and social stigma, many victims never report such incidents. To prevent these situations, users must remain vigilant. If a relative appears to seek help through social media, their account may have been hacked. In such cases, verifying the authenticity of the request is essential. Police guidelines emphasise that people should not open links sent from unfamiliar or newly created social media accounts. OTP codes must never be shared. Screen-sharing should be avoided. Personal information should not be posted online. Even close friends or family members should not be given access to passwords. As new forms of fraud continue to emerge, staying alert at all times is the only reliable safeguard.
