Fresh warning issued on WhatsApp & online fraud risks

Victims of such scams are encouraged to file complaints with the Excise Department and the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA)

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has urged the public not to join unknown WhatsApp groups, avoid engaging in financial transactions with strangers, and refrain from purchasing goods from unverified sources.   

Senior Engineer Charuka Damunupola told the Daily Mirror that SLCERT has received multiple reports of incidents involving fraudulent transactions through such groups. 

“People often join unknown groups and chat with strangers. Most of these groups are used to sell goods such as mobile phones and liquor bottles. Sellers post photos online but disappear once payments are made,” he explained.   

Victims reported paying at least Rs. 15,000 for liquor bottles and varying amounts for mobile phones, only to find that the sellers refuse to meet in person or deliver the goods. Transactions are often completed online, leaving buyers defrauded.  Damunupola advised WhatsApp users to enable privacy settings to prevent strangers from adding them to groups. He also warned the public not to accept deals offering unusually large discounts or make payments without personally verifying the goods.    Victims of such scams are encouraged to file complaints with the Excise Department and the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA).