Loan Scams via bKash
How fraudulent lenders in Bangladesh collect bKash advance fees from applicants seeking personal or business loans that never materialise.
Part of: Loan Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Bangladesh's mobile financial sector has democratised access to digital transactions for millions, including many who lack formal banking relationships. Fake loan operators exploit this by advertising instant bKash-disbursed loans through social media and messaging apps, then collecting bKash advance fees before any loan is provided.
The framing — small fee to unlock a large loan — appeals to borrowers who face urgent financial needs and have limited alternatives. Each fee paid represents money lost without any loan received in return.
How this scam works on bKash
Advertisements appear on Facebook groups and WhatsApp channels targeting Bangladeshis, both domestic and diaspora. After responding, the applicant is quickly 'approved' and asked to send a bKash amount — described as collateral, insurance, or registration — to a personal number before disbursement can occur.
The disbursement is perpetually delayed by new requirements. Some operators provide convincing bKash send confirmations — actually fabricated screenshots — claiming to show the loan is in transit. Additional fees are then requested to 'release' the stuck transfer.
Personal data collected during the application may be used by the same operator or sold to other fraudsters for subsequent phishing and identity fraud.
Common red flags
- A lender requesting bKash advance payment before disbursing loan funds
- Instant loan approval with no evidence of income, employment, or credit assessment
- bKash fees labelled as insurance, stamp duty, or 'digital signature charges'
- Lender cannot provide a Bangladesh Bank registration number
- Fabricated bKash transaction screenshots showing a 'pending' disbursement
- Sequential fee payments each accompanied by a new justification for further delay
How to protect yourself
- Legitimate lenders do not require bKash advance fees before loan disbursement
- Verify any lender with Bangladesh Bank at bangladeshbank.org.bd
- Report fraudulent bKash numbers to bKash at 16247
- Do not share national ID images or personal details with unverified lenders
- Report to the Bangladesh police cybercrime unit
How to report it
- Report the bKash number to bKash fraud prevention via hotline 16247
- Report to the Bangladesh police cybercrime unit
- File a complaint with Bangladesh Bank's consumer protection department
Frequently asked questions
Can a legitimate microlender in Bangladesh use bKash for loan disbursement?
Yes. Regulated microfinance institutions and some digital lenders in Bangladesh do disburse loan funds via bKash. However, they do not collect advance fees via bKash before disbursement. The loan amount is sent to your bKash account and any fees are deducted from the disbursed amount. A lender asking you to send bKash before receiving anything is not a legitimate lending operation.