𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

…𝑺𝒄𝒂𝒎 𝑪𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝑺𝒖𝒓𝒈𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑴𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒕

By Kezang Choden

Scam cases are on the rise across Bhutan, with more individuals falling victim to a variety of fraudulent schemes, often finding it impossible to recover their lost funds. According to recent data from the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), 124 scam cases have been registered this year, involving a total of Nu 18.2M with only Nu 8.2M retrieved so far. The growing complexity and diversity of these scams have alarmed the authorities, prompting a strong warning to the public to exercise caution and be vigilant.

Among the reported cases, lottery scams, investment frauds, and fake cryptocurrency schemes are some of the most common forms of scams. The RBP reports ten lottery scam cases, resulting in losses amounting to Nu 1.6M. Investment scams, which lure people with promises of doubling their money, have led to twenty-six cases, with losses reaching Nu 1.8M. Eight cases of cryptocurrency-related fraud have been recorded, with Nu 0.6M lost. Other scams include reward-based business schemes, identity theft through credential or One-Time Password (OTP) sharing, fake courier deliveries, rental fraud, and online shopping scams.

In addition, the authorities have noted a surge in rental scams, with thirty cases reported and Nu 387,900 involved. A significant rise in AUD (Australian dollar) exchange scams has also been observed, with thirty cases registered, amounting a little more than Nu 6.4M in total losses. The uptick in these various scam types emphasizes the urgent need for public awareness and preventive measures to safeguard citizens from financial loss.

Colonel Passang Dorji, the Deputy Chief of Police, expressed deep concern over the rise in scam cases, stressing the importance of vigilance and caution in financial and online activities. According to him, scammers are developing more sophisticated techniques, making it harder for people to distinguish between genuine offers and fraud. He urged citizens to be mindful of their choices and avoid making quick, emotion-driven financial decisions that could make them easy targets for scammers.

“The RBP is working hard to combat scams, but preventing these crimes is a shared responsibility. Everyone should stay informed, exercise caution, and report any suspicious activity to the authorities,” Colonel Passang Dorji advised. He reminds the importance of using social media carefully, as scammers often use social media platforms to lure potential victims. Many scams prey on the hope of quick financial returns, which can easily ensnare individuals eager to improve their economic situation.

Colonel Passang Dorji also highlighted the role of law enforcement in tackling this issue. The RBP has ramped up its investigative efforts and initiated several campaigns to raise awareness about these scams. He encouraged people to approach social media usage responsibly and avoid engaging in suspicious or high-risk activities online. “Scammers often use individuals’ financial desires against them. Therefore, it’s essential for everyone to assess their financial choices thoroughly and resist offers that promise unrealistic returns,” he emphasized.

𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐬

One of the most prominent new trends is the surge in rental scams, where fraudsters pose as landlords or real estate agents to defraud potential tenants. In these cases, scammers often ask for advance payments for properties they do not own. Colonel Dorji advised citizens to conduct thorough research and verification before making any financial transactions, especially in real estate dealings.

“Whenever you notice suspicious activities or anything that appears related to a scam, report it to the authorities. Together, we can prevent these fraudulent schemes from gaining more traction,” he encouraged. The police have issued alerts advising people to be wary of situations where immediate payment is required without proper documentation or a physical inspection of the rental property.

𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

The effects of these scams have impacted numerous Bhutanese, many of whom are now speaking out to warn others. Dorji, a farmer from Wangdue Phodrang, shared his experience with an investment scam, Tallwin Life, which was introduced to him by a close friend. Initially believing it was a legitimate opportunity, Dorji invested Nu 2,700 on multiple occasions, lured by promises of high returns. The scheme operated on a recruitment basis, where individual returns increased with the number of people recruited, a common tactic in pyramid schemes.

As a farmer with limited financial resources, Dorji was drawn in by the potential for quick financial gains to support his family. However, he soon realized something was amiss when he received no significant returns and only demands for further investment. He immediately stopped contributing and warned his friend and others in his community against similar schemes. Reflecting on the experience, Dorji expressed regret for his lost savings but was relieved to have avoided further losses. “It was a hard lesson, and I want others to avoid making the same mistake. Always research before committing to an investment,” he cautioned.

Similarly, Phuntsho Wangmo, a resident of Dagana Dzongkhag, fell victim to the “Puth” scam, a get-rich-quick scheme targeting unsuspecting individuals through online advertisements. She invested Nu 8,000 after being told she would earn money by clicking on advertisements. However, Phuntsho soon realized that the returns promised were nonexistent and that she had been deceived. She eventually ceased all involvement, but her experience left her shaken and financially strained.

“I was hoping to make a little extra money for my family, but instead, I lost my savings,” Phuntsho shared. She urged others to be skeptical of offers that promise easy income with minimal effort. “People should be aware that making money requires effort. Quick returns are usually a sign of a scam,” she stressed, highlighting the need for vigilance, particularly for those unfamiliar with online investment schemes.

𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐔𝐃 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐬

Australian Dollar (AUD) exchange scams have also become a widespread issue, especially affecting Bhutanese who are new to foreign exchange dealings. In these cases, scammers promise favourable exchange rates and quick transfers, luring victims with the chance to exchange their money conveniently. However, many victims have found themselves conned after making payments, with the promised exchange never occurring.

Police reports indicate that AUD exchange scams have been particularly successful because they prey on individuals unfamiliar with currency exchange processes and who may feel comfortable conducting exchanges via informal channels. Colonel Passang Dorji recommended that citizens avoid informal currency exchanges and instead rely on established financial institutions for such transactions.

As scammers continue to adapt and become more sophisticated, the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) has provided several key guidelines to help the public protect themselves from fraud. Firstly, verifying sources before sharing personal information or transferring money is crucial; confirming the legitimacy of individuals or organizations can help avoid falling victim to fraud. RBP urges the public to be skeptical of any investment that seems “too good to be true” and to research all financial opportunities, particularly those advertised on social media or online. When engaging in rental agreements, currency exchanges, or major purchases, it’s advisable to use trusted platforms or institutions and to avoid payments without a formal agreement or verified identification of the other party. Additionally, reporting any suspicious activities to the RBP as soon as possible can help prevent others from being targeted by similar scams.

Staying informed through updates from credible sources is also vital; awareness of the latest scam tactics equips the public with the knowledge to stay vigilant and recognize potential threats. Following these guidelines can significantly reduce one’s risk of being deceived by scammers and contribute to a safer community overall.

As scam cases multiply and evolve, the RBP continues its efforts to protect Bhutanese citizens from financial exploitation. Colonel Dorji urges everyone to remain cautious and proactive. “The best defense is knowledge and vigilance,” he concluded, encouraging the public to work together to prevent scammers from further infiltrating Bhutanese society. With the right precautions and a united front, Bhutan can significantly reduce the impact of scams on its people.