Police warn public about social media and phone scams

Colombo, Jan. 18 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Police have reported a rise in complaints across the country about fraudsters using social media platforms and phone calls to illegally transfer money from victims’ bank accounts.

According to the police, scammers are impersonating bank officials, offering fake job opportunities, prize draws, or making false accusations to intimidate account holders. They often obtain sensitive information such as account numbers, passwords (OTP), and QR codes through various online tactics, including suspicious links and internet extensions.

Recently, the Mirihana Special Crime Investigation Division and Padukka Police have received reports of fraudsters claiming that drug traffickers have deposited money into victims’ accounts and pressuring them to transfer funds to other accounts controlled by the criminals.

Police urge the public to remain vigilant and follow safety measures:

Verify official pages and accounts.

Never share bank details, NIC numbers, login credentials, OTPs, PINs, or personal photos.

Avoid clicking on suspicious links.

Use only verified accounts and confirm identities when depositing money.

Report any fraud immediately to the Cyber Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department.

Anyone with information on such scams can contact: Mirihana Special Crime Investigation Division: 011-2852556

OIC, Mirihana Division: 075-3994214

Deputy Director, Computer Crime Investigation Division: 011-2300638

Personal Assistant, Computer Crime Investigation Division: 011-2381375

OIC, Computer Crime Investigation Division: 011-2381058

The police strongly warn the public to exercise caution and stay alert to avoid becoming victims of these fraudulent schemes.