Nepal Police Warn of Scams Targeting Flood Relief Donations

Nepal Police are alerting the public to a rise in potential scams targeting donations for flood victims. Scammers are exploiting the recent devastating floods to trick people into sending money or revealing personal banking information.

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Scammers could exploit the disaster by using social media and other digital platforms to divert relief donations or obtain people’s personal and banking information.

Authorities warn that fraudsters might create fake social media pages on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok. They could also circulate fraudulent QR codes or send phishing links. Some scammers may even call individuals, posing as relief fund representatives to gather sensitive data.

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Authorities warned against requests to deposit money into personal bank accounts or e-wallets using the names of the “Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund” or “Prime Minister’s Relief Fund”.

Police specifically caution against depositing money into personal bank accounts or e-wallets that mimic official fund names. They urge citizens to verify all donation account details exclusively through the Prime Minister's Office's official website or verified social media accounts. Never share banking details, PINs, or one-time passwords with unknown individuals or pages.

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Fraudsters could also circulate fake QR codes on social media by copying the logos, names or formats of official government agencies, police said.

For individual requests for financial aid, police recommend independent verification through direct calls or video calls before sending any money. Those who suspect scam activities related to disaster relief are urged to contact the nearest police station or the Cyber Bureau immediately. This warning comes as search, rescue, and relief operations continue following the Bhotekoshi river floods.

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Scammers could create fake pages or groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram and Viber under the names of relief funds or donation campaigns, according to police.