Seller verification checklist
| Evidence | Stronger sign | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Business identity | Verifiable shop/contact | Only anonymous DMs |
| Exact variant | Full SKU and serial/IMEI | Ambiguous “latest model” |
| Warranty | Named local service issuer | Vague “shop warranty” |
| Payment | Named matching business receipt | Unrelated personal account |
| Returns | Written conditions | No documented process |
No single checklist item guarantees a seller’s integrity; use combined evidence.
Step-by-step instructions
Check the seller outside the advertisement
Search for a consistent business name, address, working phone, return policy and a functioning website. A Facebook or TikTok page with followers is not a business registration certificate. Independently call the number from a verified source rather than only a direct message.
Match the exact item before negotiating price
Ask for the full model code, colour, RAM/storage, warranty region and condition (new, open-box or used). Sellers sometimes show photos of a higher-spec variant and quote a lower version.
Ask for a proper invoice and warranty terms
Request a written quote including VAT bill status, serial/IMEI, warranty issuer and exclusions. If the company uses “international warranty,” ask for the actual Nepal service arrangement in writing.
Validate the IMEI on phone purchases
Check NTA MDMS using the identifiers from the physical handset and box. A screenshot sent by a seller is weaker than a direct lookup at the regulator’s site. Dual-SIM devices may require checking two identifiers.
Compare payment identity with seller identity
Before sending a deposit by bank or wallet, inspect the receiver name. A request to transfer to an unrelated personal account without a documented explanation is a red flag. Do not accept “instant refund” promises as a substitute for safe payment.
Ask how delivery and inspection work
Confirm courier, city coverage, pickup location, delivery fee, risk during transport and who pays return shipping. For expensive items, consider pickup or inspect-on-delivery options only when the seller actually offers and documents them.
Search for credible independent evidence
Read dated customer experiences across multiple platforms and evaluate whether complaints were resolved. Copy-pasted five-star reviews, newly created pages and stock photos warrant caution but are not proof of fraud by themselves.
Avoid identity and OTP harvesting
A genuine purchase should not require giving the seller your mobile banking PIN, email password, OTP, recovery key or remote control of your phone. Do not upload passport/citizenship images to a random chat for an ordinary retail enquiry.
Record the transaction cleanly
Save written terms, invoice, listing URL, screenshots, seller name, date and transaction reference. Protect sensitive details when sharing a complaint. Check the delivered item immediately against the quote.
Act quickly if the order looks fraudulent
Contact your bank or payment provider to flag the transaction and secure the account. NRB advises starting with the financial institution and using the grievance portal when unresolved. Preserve records and use appropriate official police/cybercrime channels if fraud is suspected.
Mistakes to avoid
- Paying a personal account without an invoice or known seller identity.
- Trusting manipulated celebrity endorsements or reused gadget images.
- Sharing banking OTPs to “verify” an order.
- Confusing “MDMS registered” with a promise of genuine warranty or lawful ownership.
Frequently asked questions
Does a valid NTA MDMS result prove the whole shop is genuine?
No. Registration relates to the handset identifier; it does not verify the merchant, price, warranty or ownership transfer.
Is cash-on-delivery always safe?
No. Rules vary and some couriers cannot wait for a full device inspection; inspect documented terms first.
Can I demand the cheapest advertised price?
Prices may be conditional, expired or variant-specific. Obtain a written quote for the exact device and charges.
Where do I complain about a suspicious digital transfer?
Contact the bank/wallet first with the payment reference. NRB has a grievance route for unresolved payment-service complaints; alleged crime may require police reporting.
Evidence and further reading
Retail offers, operator terms, device models and application steps can change. Check original sources for updates. NepalAnswers does not certify a seller, warranty, financial service or network quality through these guides.
Retail prices, package terms and service availability can change; this page does not claim live pricing or hands-on device testing.
Buying a Second-Hand Phone in Nepal: 12 Safety ChecksCheck a used phone in Nepal before handing over money: MDMS, IMEI, iCloud or Google locks, ownership, battery, display, SIM and payment records.
Buying a Mobile Phone in Nepal: Budget, Warranty and MDMSA practical Nepal phone buyer checklist: compare prices by exact variant, confirm warranty, IMEI registration, VAT bill and returns before paying.
eSewa and Khalti Safety in Nepal: Avoid OTP and QR ScamsProtect eSewa and Khalti payments from fake support calls, OTP requests, QR-code swaps and mistaken transfers in Nepal.