Public warned on emerging online financial scams exploiting names of reputable institutions

Sri Lanka Police has issued a warning about rising online financial scams that misuse the names of trusted organizations. Despite ongoing efforts to inform the public about internet fraud and financial crimes, complaints are on the rise. The Police Media Division reports that criminals are taking advantage of the identities of well-known institutions in Sri Lanka. Investigations have shown that these scammers use several tricks to deceive people. Often, they pretend to be representatives of reliable organizations and convince victims to download certain Mobile Applications to access services that seem legitimate. Victims are then asked to share their mobile screens, claiming it’s for assistance with the installation. This allows the scammers to gain remote access to the victim's device, which they use to perform unauthorized transactions through online banking apps and transfer money to other accounts. The Police noted that many people’s lack of technical knowledge plays a big role in these scams. To combat this, Sri Lanka Police urges everyone to stay alert and follow some important safety tips. Be very careful with social media ads that promote “various income opportunities” or “high-return investment schemes,” as these often trick people by offering small profits initially to build trust before stealing larger amounts. Never share your bank details, passwords, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) received on your phone with anyone else. Trustworthy banks will never ask for such sensitive information over the phone or through unofficial means. Avoid clicking on questionable links or downloading apps from unknown sources. Always check the authenticity of such requests and be cautious about granting permissions to applications. Do not share your mobile screen with strangers, especially when they ask you to do so.