Title: Bhutanese Students Fall Prey to Financial Scammers: A Warning from the Department of Law and Order

Increase in Financial Scams Against Bhutanese Citizens

With the growing number of Bhutanese citizens seeking opportunities abroad, there’s also an uptick in financial scams. In the first two and a half months of this year, the Royal Bhutan Police have recorded 13 financial scam cases, resulting in losses totaling around Nu 10 M compared to the same period last year.

Tactics Used by Scammers

Scammers employ various methods to deceive unsuspecting victims. Some of these tactics include:

1. Offering false lottery winnings
2. Hyping up investment opportunities
3. Marketing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies

Student Falls Victim to a VISA Department Scam

One such victim was a student waiting for a visa to study abroad. She lost over Nu 100,000 after falling for a scam. The call claimed to be from the VISA department and deceptively obtained her personal and financial details. The scammers then threatened to withhold her refund if she did not comply and demanded the same information from her siblings.

Reporting the Scam and Freezing the Scammer’s Account

The incident was reported to the Department of Law and Order (DLO), resulting in the freezing of the scammer’s bank account. However, the DLO has warned that scammers are posing as VISA office officials and asking for personal information. These details can be used to gain unauthorized access to bank accounts and execute fraudulent transactions.

Prevention and Awareness Measures

Collaboration between the DLO, the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA), GovTech, and financial institutions is crucial in raising awareness and preventing scams. The primary focus is on educating the public about the risks of sharing personal details and One-Time Passwords (OTPs).

Public Notification and Bank Advisories

On February 9, 2024, the DLO issued a public notification urging people not to share OTPs with anyone. Banks have also sent bulk SMS messages to their customers, informing them that bank officials will never request OTPs or mobile app login pins.

RMA Advisory on Bank Accounts

The RMA has advised against lending, sharing, or renting out bank accounts, as these actions may facilitate fraudsters in illegally receiving or transferring money. Victims of such scams may also face prosecution under the law if their accounts are found to be involved in these illegal activities.

Staying Vigilant in the Digital World

As the digital world continues to evolve, it’s essential for citizens to remain vigilant and cautious. Always double-check any unsolicited communications and never share sensitive information with unknown individuals over the phone or online.