Online fraud may rise during festivals, NRB urges public to keep OTPs and passwords confidential

Kathmandu, October 16

Nepal Rastra Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit has warned the public that the risk of online fraud may increase during Dashain, Tihar and other festivals, when transactions also rise. It urged people not to share OTPs and passwords with anyone.

Citing its analysis of banking transactions, the unit said online fraud cases have been rising and fraudsters tend to become active on social media and digital platforms during festivals.

It said scams may include fake links promising “Dashain dhamaka” or “Tihar-Chhath bumper” prizes that demand advance payment for service charges or taxes, and fake bank or digital wallet websites that threaten account closure unless KYC details are updated, to steal passwords, OTPs and personal information.

Social media ads offering heavy discounts on branded goods may also take advance payments and then send nothing or block the buyer. Fake accounts opened with others’ citizenship papers, photos or forged documents may be used for criminal activity.

The unit advised people not to share OTPs, bank passwords or digital wallet PINs, and not to open suspicious links offering free recharge, lottery wins or gifts. When shopping online, it said, use only official, trusted websites, check the web address before paying, and pay on delivery where possible.

It also asked banks, financial institutions and digital service providers to verify identity details when opening accounts digitally, step up monitoring of multiple accounts opened under different names with the same address or mobile number, and strengthen systems for detecting suspicious transactions. It further urged them to train staff to spot likely fraud patterns before the festivals and to alert customers by SMS and social media.

Anyone who suspects they have been defrauded should immediately contact their bank, financial institution or wallet provider’s customer service to freeze the account or wallet, and report to the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau or the nearest police office.

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