17th June 2025, Kathmandu
As Nepal’s digital economy continues its rapid expansion, so too does the risk of falling victim to sophisticated cyber scams. Laxmi Sunrise Bank is issuing an urgent fraud alert to its customers and the general public, highlighting an alarming increase in digital fraud cases originating from popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Laxmi Sunrise Stay Safe Online Tips
From deceptive requests for screen sharing to the misuse of one-time passwords (OTPs) during online purchases, fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics, making vigilance and awareness more critical than ever for every Nepalese online user.
Social Media Scams on the Rise: Be Alert, Protect Your Funds!
One of the most prevalent and concerning forms of digital fraud in Nepal today involves online shopping scams. Victims are often lured in by highly appealing advertisements on social media for goods or services. The scam typically progresses as follows:
The Advance Payment Trap
You’ll be asked to make an advance payment to “confirm” your order.
The Screen-Sharing Manipulation
After payment, fraudsters claim the transaction failed and manipulate you into sharing your mobile screen through apps like WhatsApp, pretending to “resolve the issue.”
Mobile Banking Access
They then coax you into opening your mobile banking app, seemingly to “verify” the payment.
OTP Misuse
Under the guise of a “verification process,” they guide you to generate or input OTPs. Crucially, these OTPs are then used to make unauthorized withdrawals, often for amounts far greater than the original purchase.
This method allows scammers to gain control over your device and funds, leading to significant financial losses.
Key Types of Digital Fraud You Must Know in Nepal
While OTP and screen-share scams are currently trending, digital fraud in Nepal takes many forms. Understanding these prevalent types is your strongest defense:
Phishing and Smishing Attacks
How it works: You receive a fake email (phishing) or SMS (smishing) that imitates a trusted organization like Laxmi Sunrise Bank, a government agency, or a well-known company. These messages often contain urgent warnings or enticing offers designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link that leads to a fraudulent website. The goal is to steal your login credentials, bank details, or personal information.
Prevention Tips
Always carefully check the sender’s email address or phone number.
Avoid clicking on unfamiliar or suspicious links in messages.
If you need to access a website, type the official URL directly into your browser instead of using links from messages.
Vishing (Voice Phishing)
How it works: You receive an unsolicited phone call from someone posing as a bank representative (e.g., from Laxmi Sunrise Bank), a government official, or tech support. They use high-pressure tactics, fear, or urgency to coerce you into revealing sensitive information like your PIN, OTP, or even to transfer money.
Prevention Tips
Never reveal your PIN, OTP, or full card details over a phone call. Legitimate organizations will never ask for this information over the phone.
If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and call your bank or the official institution using their verified contact number listed on their official website or statements.
Investment Scams
How it works: These scams promise unbelievably high returns with little to no risk, often through fake cryptocurrency platforms, online investment schemes, or social media groups. They might show initial small returns to build trust before disappearing with a large sum.
Prevention Tips
Be highly skeptical of any “too good to be true” offers.
Thoroughly research and verify the company’s credentials and regulatory status in Nepal.
Avoid unregulated platforms and unsolicited investment advice from unknown individuals.
Job Scams
How it works: Fraudsters pose as recruiters or employers, offering attractive job opportunities that require an upfront payment for “training materials,” “background checks,” or “equipment.” In some cases, they might send a fake check for “equipment” and ask you to refund a portion before the check bounces.
Prevention Tips
Never pay for a job offer. Legitimate employers do not demand payment from candidates.
Confirm job offers directly with the official company contacts listed on their verified website, not through suspicious emails or social media.
Romance Scams (Catfishing)
How it works: Fraudsters create fake online personas on dating apps or social media to build emotional relationships with victims. Once trust is established, they concoct a crisis (e.g., a family emergency, medical bills, travel needs) and ask for money.
Prevention Tips
Do not send money to someone you have only met online and have never met in person.
Be wary of overly emotional manipulation or stories that seem too dramatic or inconsistent.
General Digital Safety Practices for Everyone in Nepal
To protect yourself from a wide range of digital threats and ensure your financial security:
Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. Avoid reusing the same password.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of protection.
Always verify requests for money or personal details. Contact the institution using their official contact details.
Keep your software, browsers, and antivirus programs up to date to guard against new vulnerabilities.
Avoid conducting sensitive financial transactions over public Wi-Fi.
Regularly monitor your bank and card statements for any unauthorized activity.
Report fraud immediately to your bank, such as Laxmi Sunrise Bank, and to local authorities like the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau.
Call to Action: Stay Smart, Stay Safe!
Digital fraud is real, fast-evolving, and dangerous.
Laxmi Sunrise Bank urges all customers and the general public in Nepal to stay vigilant and informed. Avoid making advance payments to unknown sellers. Never screen-share your mobile device or input OTPs unless you are 100% sure of the context and the legitimacy of the request.
If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is.
Let’s work together to build a secure digital Nepal.
For more information: Laxmi Sunrise Stay Safe Online Tips