Fake Embassy calls target Nepalis as West Asia tension fuels surge in cyber scams

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 25: A sharp rise in cyber fraud has been reported amid escalating tensions in West Asia, with Nepalis living abroad increasingly falling victim to sophisticated scams exploiting fear and uncertainty.

As conflict involving Israel, Iran and the United States heightens security concerns across the region, fraudsters have been found to have intensified efforts targeting Nepali migrant workers and residents. 

Authorities say scammers are capitalising on the anxiety of those in affected countries by posing as officials from Nepali embassies and offering fake emergency assistance.

In recent days, numerous cases have emerged in which the WhatsApp accounts of Nepalis in countries such as Israel, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have been hacked. Once compromised, the accounts are used to contact friends and relatives, requesting one-time passwords (OTPs) or urgent financial transfers under false pretenses.

Victims report receiving calls from unfamiliar numbers, with callers claiming to represent the Embassy of Nepal. Under the guise of evacuation or emergency support, they attempt to extract money or sensitive information. In many instances, scammers send a verification code and then call to request it, allowing them to gain access to the victim’s account.

Officials from the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) in Israel have warned that such incidents are becoming widespread and have urged the community to remain vigilant. They advise individuals never to share verification codes with unknown callers and to block suspicious contacts immediately.

The scam is no longer confined to Israel. Similar incidents have been reported across Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, where Nepali migrant workers are being targeted through social media platforms and messaging apps.

Nepali embassies in the affected countries, along with Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have issued repeated advisories, stressing that no embassy or government body will ever request OTPs or confidential information via phone or message. 

Citizens are urged not to trust unsolicited calls and to verify any financial requests through official channels before taking action.

Nepal Police has also raised alarms over the growing number of cyber fraud cases. Authorities have advised the public to avoid sharing passwords or personal details, refrain from clicking suspicious links, and treat informal messages on social media with caution. Individuals who suspect their accounts have been compromised are encouraged to recover access immediately and report the incident to the relevant authorities.

According to Chief of the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police and Deputy Inspector General Nabinda Aryal, a common tactic involves sending messages such as: “I’m in trouble, please send money urgently,” or claiming issues with mobile banking and asking for funds to be transferred via QR codes. These messages are often sent from hacked accounts to trusted contacts, increasing the likelihood of success, he said. 

DIG Aryal recommended verifying such requests by directly calling the individual concerned, avoiding unknown links or downloads, and enabling two-step verification on messaging platforms. Users are also reminded to log out of WhatsApp Web after use and never disclose OTP or verification codes.

With many Nepalis in conflict-affected areas already facing psychological stress and insecurity, authorities warn that such scams are compounding their hardships. Embassies note that fraudsters are deliberately exploiting emergency situations, using emotional pressure and fear to manipulate victims into compliance.