Scammers Misuse eSewa Name to Lure Nepali Users Into Online Gambling Platforms

Kathmandu. Fraudulent groups have been found using the name of digital wallet service eSewa to lure users into online gambling platforms by promising quick cash rewards.

Dozens of misleading advertisements linked to eSewa have recently appeared on social media platforms, particularly Facebook. Many of the videos, apparently created using artificial intelligence tools, claim that users with eSewa accounts older than three months can instantly earn thousands of rupees.

In one such advertisement, a person is shown visiting a shop with a mobile phone. The shopkeeper then remarks that the customer's eSewa account appears to be old. After confirming that the account is more than a year old, viewers are directed to check a platform identified as “33XX,” where they are allegedly promised substantial financial rewards.

Authorities and observers say these advertisements are being used to redirect Nepali users to an online gambling and scam platform operating under the name “33XX.org.”

Despite the claims made in the advertisements, there is no known connection between the platform and eSewa. Whether an eSewa account is old or newly created has no bearing on participation in such platforms. However, scammers appear to be exploiting the idea of an “old account” to gain users’ trust and encourage engagement.

The operators behind the advertisements have also taken steps to conceal negative feedback. Users who report being defrauded say their comments are quickly removed from sponsored posts, while only positive or misleading comments remain visible. As a result, potential victims may not see warnings from other users.

The issue persists despite the government's efforts to crack down on online betting and gambling platforms. Shortly after taking office, the current government announced a complete ban on such platforms as part of its 100-day action plan. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology subsequently instructed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to block access to online betting and gambling websites.

According to the NTA, more than 15,000 betting and gambling-related websites have been blocked in Nepal so far. However, authorities say enforcement remains challenging, as operators frequently launch new domains after existing ones are shut down.

While thousands of websites have been banned, advertisements promoting online gambling continue to circulate on social media, exposing Nepali users to potential fraud and financial risks.

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: जेठ २४, २०८३ १२:१८

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