Advance-Fee Scams in Nepal
Classic advance-fee fraud and lottery scams targeting Nepalis with promises of large remittances or foreign prize winnings.
Part of: Advance Fee Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Advance-fee fraud arrives in Nepal primarily by email, Facebook Messenger, and sometimes by post, promising inheritances, charitable donations, or lottery winnings tied to a Nepal-relevant backstory — a foreign NGO worker who names a Nepali charity, a lottery held by a foreign embassy based in Kathmandu, or a deceased relative's overseas bank account.
The scam is effective because it intersects with Nepal's large diaspora: a story about a relative abroad sending money home feels plausible, and the sums promised are life-changing in a country where average wages are modest.
How this scam works on Nepal
A victim receives a message from someone claiming to be a foreign lawyer or banker managing the estate of a Nepali citizen who died abroad without known heirs. The victim's name has been identified through public records, and they are entitled to a share of the estate — if they can cover the legal transfer costs.
In lottery variants, the message claims the victim has won a draw run by a foreign company based in Nepal or a well-known international brand. A processing fee is required to release the prize to a Nepali bank account.
Each fee payment triggers a new complication — additional taxes, customs clearance, or a conversion charge — that requires another payment, cycling until the victim refuses.
Common red flags
- Email or message about unexpected inheritance or prize winnings from abroad
- Request for an advance fee described as a transfer tax, legal charge, or customs fee
- Contact claims to be a foreign official or lawyer but uses a personal email address
- Story involves a named Kathmandu-based entity that cannot be verified
- Pressure to keep the matter confidential to avoid delays
- Each payment is followed by a new unforeseen charge
How to protect yourself
- Delete unsolicited messages about winnings or inheritances — these are always scams
- Never send money to receive money, regardless of how compelling the story
- Verify named organisations through Nepal's Company Registrar Office if suspicious
- Share suspected scam messages with family and community to reduce repeat victimisation
- Report to Nepal Police rather than attempting to recover funds through the scammer
- Check the Global Anti-Scam Alliance database for known advance-fee scripts
How to report it
- Report to Nepal Police Cyber Bureau at cyberbureaunepal.gov.np
- Alert your bank or remittance provider if you have already sent money
- Inform Nepal Rastra Bank if a licensed remittance channel was misused
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to respond to find out if a lottery message is real?
No. Responding, even to ask questions, confirms your number or email is active and increases the volume of scam messages you receive. Delete and report without engaging.