Foreign digital creator scammed off Rs. 15,000 on first day in Colombo

A foreign digital creator, known online as Travel with Balnur, has shared her experience of being allegedly scammed of Rs. 15,000 on her first day in Sri Lanka, highlighting a growing concern over street-level fraud targeting visitors in Colombo.  

In a video posted on TikTok on January 15, Balnur recounted being approached along Galle Road by a man who claimed to be facing personal hardships. Introducing himself as Manoj, a 55-year-old Sri Lankan, he told her that his wife was battling cancer and that he was struggling to support their two daughters.  

Rather than asking for cash, the man reportedly requested that Balnur purchase high-protein milk powder for his wife. Trusting his story, she followed him into a nearby supermarket, where he allegedly selected premium items including powdered milk, rice, cooking oil, and coconut milk powder. Balnur paid around Rs. 15,000 for the groceries.  

After sharing her story online, Balnur said she was flooded with comments from others who claimed to have been approached by the same man using similar stories, often requesting the same items. Commenters suggested this may be a recurring scam, with the groceries then resold for cash. “I lost Rs. 15,000, but more than that, I lost my trust,” Balnur said, urging tourists and locals alike to be cautious when approached by strangers with unusual requests. She encouraged people to share similar experiences, sparking a broader conversation online about scams in Colombo and the need for vigilance.  

Authorities and tourism experts are now warning visitors to remain alert and verify any claims before offering assistance, particularly when asked to purchase expensive items on behalf of strangers.