Scammers try to extort money from relatives of Latvians missing in Nepal
Latvia's State Police warns that scammers are offering paid information and even psychic services to relatives of people missing after the Nepal disaster. Officials stress that state and municipal assistance is always free.
Latvia's State Police has received reports of scammers attempting to extract money from relatives of people who went missing in the recent natural disaster in Nepal. The scammers reportedly offer in-person meetings, promising the latest information on the search for and identification of missing persons, with some even offering psychic or clairvoyant services.
Police have stated plainly that such offers constitute fraud. The agency emphasizes that communication and practical assistance from state and municipal institutions to affected families is provided directly, without intermediaries, and is never charged for.
Where to find reliable information
To receive accurate and up-to-date information about the situation, police are urging residents to follow official statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Anyone who has encountered paid offers related to the search for missing persons is asked to report them to the State Police.
Background on the disaster in Nepal
On August 26, a glacier collapse triggered a flow of ice debris, which in turn caused water and mud floods from a glacial lake. The disaster affected both Nepal and China, causing widespread damage. By Monday morning, at least 900 people were confirmed dead, with nearly 4,800 reported missing.
A large group of Latvian tourists had been near the epicenter of the disaster at the time. Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that three Latvian citizens were unharmed by the flood and mudslide, while 33 people are still considered missing.
