KATHMANDU, Aug 12: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has warned of an organized scam targeting users through a fraudulent mobile application called “Nepse AI,” which falsely claims to use artificial intelligence to guarantee high returns from the stock market.
According to the CIB, victims are lured by flashy online ads promising big profits, only to have their bank accounts emptied. In one recent case, a person lost Rs 2.86 million within minutes after installing the app.
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Police said the victim, under a pseudonym “John Doe,” came across the ad on Facebook and downloaded the application. Moments after installation, the phone entered a “remote session,” the screen went blank, and funds from multiple bank accounts were transferred to unknown destinations. Hackers then erased all data and applications from the device to cover their tracks.
How the scam works
CIB spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Yubraj Khadka, said that such apps are designed to seize full control of a victim’s phone. Once installed, cybercriminals use remote-access software such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer to operate the device, steal mobile banking credentials, and transfer funds to their own accounts.
The bureau urged the public to be cautious and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown apps, especially those advertised as “Nepse AI.”
Safety tips from CIB
The CIB has advised the public to strengthen their online security by enabling two-factor authentication for online accounts and changing passwords regularly. It has also warned against installing applications from unverified sources or granting remote access to devices to strangers. Additionally, the CIB recommends downloading apps only from official platforms such as Google Play or the App Store.