Sri Lanka Police and SLCERT Warn of Online Scams During New Year Season

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has reiterated its warning, noting that online scams and financial fraud attempts are significantly increasing across social media platforms during the festive season. SLCERT observes that cybercriminals are exploiting peak online engagement to manipulate public trust, crafting scams that leverage seasonal goodwill and a sense of urgency. Fraudsters are also specifically promising financial relief, alongside fake offers, special discounts, and gifts.

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has also issued a public warning regarding the surge in online financial fraud during the festive season. SLCERT notes that cybercriminals are specifically impersonating government service providers, departments, famous shops, and businesses to mislead the public. Additionally, there has been a notable rise in specific types of scams, including "Avurudu Kumari" scams, circulating across social media platforms.

Sri Lanka Police have noted an increasing trend in online financial fraud, data theft, and related cybercrimes during the festive season. Criminals are exploiting heightened online activity and targeting individuals based on festive-related needs, including online purchases, digital payments, and other financial transactions, to deceive them into sharing sensitive personal or financial information. Common methods used by fraudsters include misleading advertisements, fraudulent links, Avurudu Offers & Giveaways, and fake websites. Police observations from past complaints indicate that some individuals may fall victim due to economic difficulties and the expectation of quick financial gains.