Bangladesh Scams: Online, Financial & Mobile Fraud Guide
Common scams affecting people in Bangladesh and how to report them via the CID Cyber Police Centre, DNCRP, and your bank.
Emergency number: 999 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 August 2026
Bangladesh has a rapidly growing digital economy, and with it a rising tide of cybercrime. Mobile banking and bKash phishing, fake job offers, online shopping fraud, and investment scams are among the most common threats. The CID Cyber Police Centre handles cybercrime investigations, and the DNCRP manages consumer fraud complaints.
Mobile financial services are the main battlefield. Fraudsters call posing as bKash, Nagad, or Rocket 'head office', claiming your account needs verification or a bonus awaits, and talk victims into revealing OTPs and PINs — after which the wallet is emptied in minutes. The fake 'wrong send' is equally common: a forged confirmation SMS arrives, then a caller pleads for a 'refund' of money that never actually landed; always check your real balance by dialling the official menu, never trust the SMS alone. Agent-level fraud includes forged cash-in slips and fake notes. No provider ever asks for your PIN or OTP — that single rule defeats most of these scams.
Beyond mobile money, e-commerce fraud left deep scars after high-discount platforms collapsed owing customers enormous sums, and Facebook-page shops still take payment for goods that never ship — prefer cash on delivery. Overseas-job fraud is a national issue given the scale of labour migration: unlicensed brokers ('dalals') and fake agencies charge visa and processing fees for Gulf and Malaysian jobs that don't exist; verify agencies' licences before paying. Investment fraud spans MLM schemes, forex and crypto apps promising daily returns, and community savings schemes that vanish. Loan apps extort borrowers by harassing contacts. When money moves, call your provider or bank immediately, then report to the CID Cyber Police Centre and keep every message and transaction ID.
Common scams
- Mobile banking and bKash phishing targeting OTPs and credentials
- Fake job offers requiring upfront fees or document payments
- Online shopping non-delivery and counterfeit goods
- Investment and multi-level marketing fraud
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging taxis and rickshaw drivers in tourist areas
- Fake tour guides and unofficial boat operators
- Counterfeit goods and gemstone scams
Online shopping scams
- Mobile money phishing impersonating bKash, Nagad, or Rocket
- Fake online shops and social media marketplace non-delivery
- Loan-app scams promising quick credit with hidden fees
Job scams
- Fake overseas employment offers requiring upfront visa or agent fees
- Task scams via WhatsApp and Telegram paying small amounts then demanding deposits
Romance scams
- Social media and dating-app romance with escalating money requests
- Long-distance relationships used to solicit remittances
- Video-call blackmail ('sextortion') via social apps
Investment scams
- Fake forex and cryptocurrency trading platforms
- Pyramid and multi-level investment schemes targeting communities
- High-discount e-commerce schemes taking prepayment for undelivered goods
How to report a scam here
- Call 999 or contact your bank's fraud hotline immediately if money was just sent
- Report to the CID Cyber Police Centre via cid.gov.bd or call their hotline
- File a consumer complaint with the DNCRP on hotline 16121
- Report cybersecurity incidents to BGD e-GOV CIRT at cirt.gov.bd
Local reporting & protection links
- Cybercrime reporting
- Consumer protection
- Police
- BGD e-GOV CIRT
- DNCRP consumer hotline — Dial 16121 for consumer rights complaints
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Reach your bank or mobile money provider through their official app or hotline number, never a number that came in the suspicious message — callers claiming to be bKash or Nagad 'head office' are the scam, since providers never call to ask for PINs or OTPs. Do it straight away, because a transfer is far easier to stop before the funds are cashed out at an agent. Say that you were deceived into authorising the payment, ask for the receiving account or wallet to be flagged, and write down any reference number you are given. Verify any claimed incoming payment through the official app or USSD menu rather than an SMS, which is easily forged. If you passed on a PIN, OTP, or password, mention that specifically and change it from the official channel. File with the CID Cyber Police Centre or via 999 for meaningful sums — a case reference makes providers act faster — and keep the messages, receipts, dates, and amounts for your report.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
How do I report mobile banking fraud in Bangladesh?
Contact your mobile money provider's official helpline immediately, then report to the CID Cyber Police Centre via cid.gov.bd or call the 999 emergency line. Also file a complaint with the DNCRP at 16121 if it involves a consumer rights violation.
Are overseas job offers from Bangladesh legitimate if they ask for upfront fees?
Generally no. Legitimate employers and licensed recruiting agencies do not require workers to pay large upfront fees for overseas jobs. Any offer requiring a payment before placement is a major red flag for fraud.
What is the DNCRP?
The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) is Bangladesh's government body for enforcing consumer rights. Consumers can file complaints with them via district offices or the national hotline 16121.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance