Four people have been arrested in Nepal on suspicion of posing as Khalti employees to defraud members of the public.
A team from the Bhaktapur District Police Range arrested Subham Kumar Jha, Aniket Kumar Yadav, Pawan Kumar Chaudhary and Rishi Ganga after finding them in a room at Mero City Apartments in Hattiban, Lalitpur Metropolitan City 28.
Police investigators say the suspects contacted victims from various mobile numbers and claimed to represent the digital wallet service.
The Khalti scam
The suspects allegedly told people that they had to update their Know Your Customer (KYC) details or their digital wallets would be closed.
They also reportedly offered services including linking a bank account to a digital wallet, supplying payment alert speakers for business accounts and providing fund transfers without a fee.
After calling victims and contacting them through WhatsApp audio or video calls, the suspects allegedly gained their confidence and persuaded them to share their phone screens. They then requested the victims’ One Time Passwords.
Investigators believe the information was used to access victims’ financial accounts without permission and transfer money to other accounts.
Four suspects arrested in Lalitpur
The arrested individuals are:
- Subham Kumar Jha (23)
- Aniket Kumar Yadav (20)
- Pawan Kumar Chaudhary (22)
- Rishi Ganga (21)
Police detained the four at an apartment in Hattiban, Lalitpur. The Bhaktapur District Police Range is handling the case.
Their arrest followed allegations that they posed as official staff and persuaded victims to disclose sensitive information.
The suspects have not been convicted and remain under investigation.
Five-day remand
The Bhaktapur District Court has authorized police to hold the four suspects in remand for five days.
Authorities are investigating allegations that the suspects impersonated staff, accessed accounts without authorization and transferred money. The initial police report did not specify the number of victims or the amount of money allegedly taken.
Further details may emerge as the investigation proceeds.
How to avoid falling victim to a digital wallet scam
This case highlights some common warning signs of digital payment scams. A scammer may pretend to be a customer support representative and pressure you by claiming your account will be suspended unless you act immediately.
- Never share your One Time Passwords, PINs or passwords.
- Do not let unfamiliar people see your banking or wallet app through screen sharing.
- If someone unexpectedly asks you to take action, contact the service provider’s official customer support team.
- Be cautious about offers of free services, such as linking accounts or transferring money, as they may be a way to obtain confidential information.
- If you suspect someone has accessed your account without authorization, contact your bank or wallet provider immediately and report it.
The investigation into the four suspects is ongoing. The case serves as a reminder to be cautious about unexpected calls concerning digital wallets or financial accounts.