Public Advisory on Internet-Based Financial Frauds Using Social Media Platforms

The Sri Lanka Police have observed a rising number of complaints regarding financial frauds committed via the Internet, particularly through social media platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and other online communication networks.

It has been reported that individuals are being deceived through fraudulent schemes, where perpetrators obtain confidential information such as bank account details, usernames, passwords, and QR codes under false pretences often by promising online job opportunities or offering monetary transactions through various accounts.

Recently, there has been a significant increase in large-scale scams conducted via the Internet, where victims are misled by false promises of foreign employment and higher education opportunities in European countries. This trend has been particularly prevalent in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

The Police Media Division therefore urges the public to exercise caution and vigilance when using the Internet, and to seek employment or higher education opportunities only through government approved and registered institutions, such as the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).

The public is further advised to adhere to the following safety measures when engaging online:

• Do not respond to or trust offers made by unknown individuals or unverified social media groups claiming to provide sources of income through platforms such as Telegram or WhatsApp.

• Avoid using or downloading Internet extensions or scanning QR codes shared by unknown persons or social media groups.

• Refrain from transferring money to unknown accounts, sharing banking information, or allowing others to use your personal bank accounts.

• Never disclose sensitive information such as account numbers, passwords, or one-time passcodes (OTPs) to anyone.

• Be cautious when installing mobile applications or using Internet tools offered by unknown sources, and do not grant access permissions to your electronic devices without verifying their authenticity.