Sri Lanka CERT warns public of rising festive-season social media scams

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) issued a warning today (07) about a rise in online scams and financial fraud on social media during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations. Sri Lanka CERT noted that cybercriminals are taking advantage of the festive season, when people are online more than usual, to trick unsuspecting users. These scams are designed to exploit the positive spirit of the season and the increased digital activity among the public. The agency reported an increase in complaints about scams where criminals pretend to be from government agencies, public service departments, popular supermarkets, and trusted businesses. These fraudsters promote fake deals, special discounts, financial prizes, and giveaways to attract victims. There has also been a rise in scams related to online "Avurudu Kumari" contests and similar promotions, which are used to gather personal information like photos and sensitive data. Additionally, Sri Lanka CERT mentioned that scammers often share misleading links that urge users to pay or provide personal and financial details. Many victims have reported unauthorized transactions and financial losses due to these scams. Sri Lanka CERT strongly encourages the public to be cautious and follow recommended safety measures.