Public advised to remain vigilant and avoid becoming victims of online crimes

If an unknown individual or organization contacts you via social media or telephone claiming to offer a job opportunity, informing you that you have won a prize, or making false allegations and requesting that you deposit money into an account to avoid legal action, do not act hastily. Refrain from making any payments and verify the authenticity of such claims thoroughly.

If you believe you have been defrauded or have suffered a financial loss by any means,

please report the incident immediately by contacting one of the following numbers:

Computer Crime Investigation Division (CCID):

Deputy Director: 011-2300638
Personal Assistant: 011-2381375
Officer in charge : 011-2381058

According to complaints received from police stations across the island, it has been observed that these frauds are carried out through various methods, including obtaining bank account details, passwords, One-Time Passwords (OTP), QR codes, as well as through malicious internet links, extensions, and scan codes.

In some instances, fraudsters impersonate bank officials, contact victims, obtain sensitive banking information, and intimidate them by falsely claiming that money linked to drug trafficking has been deposited into their accounts.

Several such incidents have recently been reported to the Mirihana Special Crime Investigation Unit, as well as to the Padukka Police Station, where suspects posed as police officers and attempted to obtain bank details and money from the public.

Members of the public are strongly advised to adhere to the following safety precautions when receiving such calls:

Safety Guidelines

* Verify information through official and authorized channels.

* Never share bank details, National Identity Card (NIC) numbers, login credentials, OTPs, passwords, PIN numbers, or personal photographs with third parties.

*Avoid clicking on suspicious or unfamiliar links.

* Use only trusted and verified accounts or platforms.

*Always confirm the identity of the caller or organization before making any financial transactions.

*The contact numbers of the Mirihana Police Special Crime Investigation Unit, which has received numerous complaints regarding such fraudulent activities, are provided below:

*Mirihana Special Crime Investigation Unit: 011-2852556

* Officer-in-Charge / Mirihana Special Crime Investigation Unit: 075-3994214