Authorities are discussing a comprehensive legal framework to tackle increasing financial scams in Thimphu, recovering Nu 11 million in 2024 and 79 in 2025. QNET, a banned online marketing company, has resurfaced, attracting renewed scrutiny from the CCAA, with 34 active recruiters operating in Bhutan and Australia. Karma Dorji discussed scams, focusing on exploiting victims’ vulnerabilities and pressure into investing. Consultation aimed to assess scams, create legal framework, and promote public awareness campaigns.
The RBP highlighted the need to improve financial applications’ security to prevent fraud from OTPs sharing, highlighting the prevalence of scams such as house rent advertisements and currency exchange fraud. The DLO advised the public in a public advice to never exchange OTPs or personal financial information, and to avoid participating in ponzi or pyramid scams such as QNET. The advice also included using reliable online purchasing sites, avoiding public announcements for currency conversion needs, avoiding unwanted presents that need costs, and double-checking rental listings before making a payment.