Short answer
Pay cash on delivery whenever you can, and be suspicious of prices far below the market, sellers who only take QR or wallet payment in advance and pages that pressure you to buy now. Check that the shop has a real address, a phone number that answers and a history of reviews. If a registered shop sells you something faulty or overcharges you, complain to the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection through its online form. If you paid and got nothing, it's fraud, so report it to the police.
The details
Warning signs
- Price far below the market for phones, shoes or electronics.
- Advance payment only, by QR or wallet, with no cash on delivery.
- Pressure to pay now because "stock is almost finished".
- No address or business details, and comments turned off.
- New page with copied photos from other sellers.
Where to complain
| Problem | Where |
|---|---|
| Paid and got nothing, or the seller vanished | Police (it's fraud) |
| Faulty, fake or overpriced goods from a real shop | Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection |
| Problem with a big marketplace order | The marketplace's own support first, then the department |
Common problems
I paid in advance and the page blocked me.
That's fraud. Save the payment record and screenshots and report it to the police. See the page on what to do after an online scam.
The product arrived but it's fake or broken.
Ask the seller for a return in writing first. If they refuse, file a consumer complaint with the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection with your receipt and photos.
Do online shops have to be registered?
Yes. Under the E-Commerce Act, 2081, businesses selling online must register their platform with the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection. A shop with no business details anywhere is a warning sign.
A seller asked me to scan a QR to "receive" a refund.
Scanning a QR or entering your PIN sends money, it doesn't receive it. Refunds don't need your PIN or OTP.
How common is this?
Police said 767 people were cheated through online shopping and marketplace sales in a single year to Jestha 2083.
Real experiences
Been through this recently? Tell the next person which office you went to and what they asked for. Reports are published as community notes, apart from the official information.
Share your experienceSources
- Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection: consumer complaint formmonitoring.doc.gov.np
- Ratopati: police report 767 online shopping victims in a year (July 2026)english.ratopati.com
- Hamro Patro: online businesses must register under the E-Commerce Act (August 2026)hamropatro.com
Written from the sources above and last checked on 8 Oct 2026. Some details aren't confirmed against an official page yet, so check fees and documents with the office before you go.
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