What is the "Fake Trekking Permit and TIMS Card Website" scam in Kathmandu?

Question

Accepted Answer

Fraudulent websites and Facebook groups impersonate the Nepal Tourism Board and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card issuance process. They charge 20–50 USD for fake permits that are rejected at trail checkpoints, leaving trekkers stranded and out of pocket. Some sites also harvest passport and payment data for identity fraud. Purchase all trekking permits and TIMS cards only in person at the Nepal Tourism Board office on Pradarshani Marg or at Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) offices. Do not process any trekking permit payment through unofficial websites, Facebook pages, or email links. Verify URLs carefully before entering any personal data.

Online Scams in Kathmandu

Fake Trekking Permit and TIMS Card Website

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