Important Tips to Avoid Fraud When Donating to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund
The central bank has urged people to only use the official QR code or account number when depositing money into the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. Due to an increase in fraud involving fake QR codes and bank account details, banks have recommended verifying the account name through mobile banking, wallets, or Connect IPS before transferring funds. The central bank also advises not to scan unauthorized QR codes received via social media, email, or messaging apps, to never share one-time passwords (OTPs) or PINs, and to report any fraud immediately. Kathmandu, September 1.
The central bank has called for caution when making contributions to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. To prevent scams arising from the use of counterfeit bank accounts or QR codes, only QR codes and account numbers from official sources should be used, it said. Recently, there has been an increase in unauthorized collections and fraud using fake QR codes and bank account details under the fund’s name, prompting the central bank to advise vigilance. Banks have directed users to verify the account holder’s name when transferring funds via mobile banking, wallets, Connect IPS, or any other payment method.
Contributors are recommended to carefully enter and verify the intended donation amount before confirming the transaction. Furthermore, the central bank provides information emphasizing that fraud can be avoided by using only official bank account details listed on the websites of the central bank, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, and the Ministry of Finance. It also cautions against scanning illegal QR codes circulating on social media, email, or messaging apps. The central bank urges users not to share OTPs, PINs, or passwords with anyone. Should fraud occur while transferring funds to the relief fund, it is advised to report it promptly to the respective bank or financial institution, the payment service provider, Nepal Police Cyber Bureau, or the central bank’s Financial Consumer Protection Unit.