Police Warn Public of Rising Financial Fraud and Cybercrime Scams

Sri Lanka Police have issued a warning to the public over the increasing number of financial fraud, identity theft, and cybercrime incidents being carried out through computers and mobile devices.

Although investigations into such crimes have resulted in the arrest of suspects on several occasions, authorities noted that cyber-enabled scams continue to rise across the country.

According to police, fraudsters frequently contact victims by telephone while falsely claiming to represent institutions such as the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), or specialised police units.

Victims are often informed that fraudulent transactions have been conducted using their National Identity Card, that bank accounts or cards have been opened in their name without their knowledge, or that their personal details have been linked to money laundering investigations.

Scammers then attempt to create fear by warning victims of impending legal action before offering assistance and directing them to continue communication through WhatsApp or other social media platforms. To enhance their credibility, fraudsters sometimes use forged documents, fake official logos, and photographs of government officials.

Police said criminals also try to obtain sensitive information, including One-Time Passwords (OTPs), online banking credentials, account details, and other confidential data under the pretext of verifying identities, resolving complaints, or unfreezing bank accounts.

In some instances, victims are pressured into transferring funds to unfamiliar bank accounts or purchasing and transferring cryptocurrencies such as USDT.

Sri Lanka Police emphasized that no government institution or private organisation will request National Identity Card details, bank account information, card numbers, CVV codes, passwords, or OTPs through telephone calls, WhatsApp messages, or social media platforms.

Authorities further stressed that neither the Sri Lanka Police, the CID, nor the Central Bank conducts official investigations through personal WhatsApp accounts or requests members of the public to transfer money in connection with investigations.

The public has also been advised not to open internet links, download applications, access websites, or scan QR codes sent by unknown individuals or unverified social media groups, as these may be used to steal personal information or gain unauthorized access to devices.

Police urged members of the public to independently verify any suspicious communication through the official contact channels of the relevant institution and to report suspected scams to the nearest police station.

Complaints related to cybercrime and financial fraud can also be reported to the Computer Crime Investigation Division through its dedicated hotlines or by submitting a written complaint directly to the Criminal Investigation Department.

Authorities called on the public to remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown individuals in order to protect themselves from fraud and cybercrime.