Nepal Police have warned the public of possible online scams targeting people seeking to donate money for victims of Wednesday’s devastating floods.

Police said scammers could exploit the disaster by using social media and other digital platforms to divert relief donations or obtain people’s personal and banking information.

Authorities warned against requests to deposit money into personal bank accounts or e-wallets using the names of the “Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund” or “Prime Minister’s Relief Fund”. Fraudsters could also circulate fake QR codes on social media by copying the logos, names or formats of official government agencies, police said.

Scammers could create fake pages or groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram and Viber under the names of relief funds or donation campaigns, according to police.

They could also call people claiming to register them for relief and ask for personal or banking details, or send phishing links designed to steal one-time passwords and other credentials.

Police also warned of messages from unknown numbers claiming that someone was safe but needed money urgently, and asking recipients to send financial assistance.

Police urged people to verify relief fund account details only through the official website or verified social media accounts of the Prime Minister’s Office before making any donation.

The public should not immediately trust QR codes, links or account numbers shared by unknown individuals or pages, police said.

People should never share bank account numbers, card details, PINs or one-time passwords with anyone who asks for them by phone or message.

Police also advised people to independently verify requests for financial assistance from individuals by calling them directly or making a video call before sending money.

Anyone who suspects that an individual or group is running or attempting to run a scam in the name of disaster relief should immediately contact the nearest police office or Nepal Police’s Cyber Bureau, the police said.

The warning comes as authorities continue search, rescue and relief operations following the sudden flooding of the Bhotekoshi river in Rasuwa on Wednesday, which caused widespread deaths and destruction downstream.