Surge in Online Fraud Cases Reported in Dharan

Authorities in Dharan have reported a significant rise in digital financial crimes, with over 21.3 million rupees lost to online and banking fraud within the first four months of the current fiscal year. Data from the Area Police Office indicates a growing trend in sophisticated scams targeting residents through social media and messaging applications.

Area Police Office Dharan statistics show that 12 formal complaints regarding banking offenses have been filed this year, totaling 15.8 million rupees in losses. Additionally, 60 reports of online fraud have been documented, involving approximately 5.5 million rupees. To date, investigators have successfully recovered only 700,000 rupees for victims, while other cases remain under active investigation.

Local investigators have identified several prevalent methods used by scammers to deceive the public. One common tactic involves task-based investment schemes on the Telegram app, where victims are promised high commissions for small initial investments. One victim reported losing 1 million rupees after being lured into making multiple payments under the guise of completing online business tasks.

Phishing and fraudulent advertisements are also major concerns for local law enforcement. In one instance, a resident lost 300,000 rupees after entering a One-Time Password (OTP) into a fake banking application. Other residents have reported losing substantial sums to fraudulent foreign employment advertisements on social media, with one victim paying over 881,000 rupees for a non-existent job opportunity in Canada.

Police Deputy Superintendent Bhishan Babu Rai noted that the investigation process is frequently hindered because many social media platforms are hosted outside of Nepal. He observed that the promise of easy income, combined with high unemployment and increased smartphone usage, has made young people particularly vulnerable to these digital traps.

The Area Police Office continues to coordinate with banking institutions to freeze suspicious accounts and track illicit transactions. Authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution when sharing personal financial information or interacting with unknown entities online. Official statements emphasize that forensic investigations are ongoing for all registered complaints.