Sri Lanka Police Issue Warning on Online Scams During New Year Season

The Sri Lanka Police have issued a public advisory urging vigilance against a rise in online fraud and data theft during the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive season. Authorities note that criminals are exploiting the increased use of the internet for purchases and payments, alongside economic difficulties that may lead individuals to seek quick financial gains, making them vulnerable to scams. Identified methods include fraudulent advertisements, fake links, bogus commercial websites, fake bank promotions, phishing emails, SMS messages, and QR code scams. This warning follows an analysis of a surge in complaints received by the Criminal Investigation Department and police stations in previous years. The police emphasize the importance of caution when engaging in online transactions to protect personal finances and information.