Kathmandu, 12 Aug: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the police has stated that in recent days, millions of rupees have been swindled through a fake mobile app called “Nepse.”
According to the bureau, an organized gang has been active in emptying users’ bank accounts by luring them with deceptive advertisements claiming to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the stock market to generate high profits.
Similarly, after a man lost Rs. 2,861,000 in just a short time to such fraud, the bureau issued an emergency notice urging people to remain vigilant.
According to the bureau, the victim (under the pseudonym John Doe) had seen an attractive advertisement for an app called “Nepse AI” on Facebook. The advertisement claimed that AI would analyze the stock market and guarantee high profits.
Tempted by this promise, he downloaded the app and installed it on his mobile phone. As soon as the app was installed, a “remote session” was initiated on his device, and the screen went blank for a while.
Within moments, the Rs. 2,861,000 in his various bank accounts had been transferred to other unknown accounts. After stealing the money, the hackers erased all the data and apps from his phone, destroying the evidence as well.
How does the scam work?
According to the bureau’s spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Yubaraj Khadka, the main purpose of such apps is to gain complete control over the user’s phone.
Once the app is installed, hackers can use software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer to operate the phone remotely. They can then open mobile banking apps, figure out the passwords, or steal login credentials when the user signs in, and transfer the money to their own accounts.
“Complaints about such large-scale frauds have been received for a long time,” the bureau said in a statement. “The general public is requested not to click, download, or install any unfamiliar links or apps, including those named ‘Nepse AI.’”
The bureau urged the public to take the following measures to protect themselves from such digital scams:
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Use two-factor authentication: Enable a second layer of security on your online accounts.
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Regularly change passwords: Update the passwords of all your online accounts from time to time.
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Do not install unknown apps: Avoid downloading any apps sent via advertisements or unfamiliar links.
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Do not give remote access: Never allow strangers to control your mobile or computer through apps like AnyDesk or TeamViewer.
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Download only from official sources: Always install apps from official platforms like Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
The bureau also requests that if anyone suspects such incidents or falls victim to fraud, they should immediately report to their respective bank, the nearest police station, or the Cyber Bureau.
