KATHMANDU, Aug 6: Online fraud cases registered in the last Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/25 rose by 307 percent compared to the previous year. Data prepared by the Nepal Police shows this significant increase. In the fiscal year 2023/24, 166 cases of online fraud were registered. That number jumped to 675 in the last fiscal year, according to police records.
In terms of the amount involved, online fraud increased by 141 percent. In 2023/24, 166 cases accounted for Rs 347.2 million in fraud. However, the 675 cases filed last fiscal year involved Rs 835.9 million. During the same period, police arrested 220 people in connection with these cases, including 33 foreign nationals.
These numbers reflect only online fraud cases reported to the police. Experts believe the actual number could be higher, as many victims may not have filed complaints.
Out of the total cases, 159 cases involved fraud committed through social media. Police estimate the total amount scammed through social media to be Rs 61.6 million. They arrested 55 individuals in these cases, including two foreigners.
According to the data, police registered 92 cases of online banking fraud involving Rs 115.4 million. Authorities arrested 72 people in these cases, including 15 foreign nationals.
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Online shopping scams accounted for 137 cases, with a total of Rs 11.1 million defrauded. Police arrested 37 people, including one foreigner.
Similarly, police registered 74 cases of online payment fraud involving Rs 9.9 million. Fourteen people, including one foreign national, were arrested.
There were also 48 cases of lottery fraud, which scammed people out of Rs 17.1 million. Police arrested two suspects in these cases.
In identity fraud, police received six complaints involving Rs 403,000 and arrested two individuals.
Spam-related fraud led to two cases, totaling Rs 300,000 in losses, with two arrests.
Meanwhile, 16 scam cases were registered with a total of Rs 8.4 million defrauded. Police arrested nine people. For phishing scams, nine cases were filed involving Rs 1.4 million. Police have not yet arrested anyone in these cases.
Police also recorded 132 cases under "other various types of fraud" involving Rs 610.1 million. They arrested 37 people in these cases, including 14 foreigners.
Internet usage and digital technology are increasing rapidly in Nepal. The use of platforms like Facebook and TikTok, mobile banking, and digital wallets is growing. So is the trend of online shopping. Fraud rings are exploiting these trends to carry out online financial crimes.
Police say these fraudsters take advantage of platforms like mobile banking, wallets, online shopping, and social media. Experts add that a lack of proper knowledge among the public contributes to the problem.
Scammers often hack social media accounts to impersonate people and ask their friends for money. They also send fake messages claiming the victim has won a lottery to trick them into sending money. In some cases, they create fake social media accounts of people’s acquaintances to commit fraud. Some criminals even hack bank accounts using various technologies.
In other instances, fraudsters make video calls via social media, engage in explicit acts themselves, and then coerce the victim into doing the same. They record these acts and blackmail the victim for money. Police say online shopping scams, where money is taken without delivering goods, are also on the rise.
