The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has warned of a sharp rise in financial crimes targeting Sri Lankans via social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, and WeChat.
In a press release issued today (27), the Police Media Division revealed that investigations have uncovered two main methods used by criminals to defraud unsuspecting citizens.
The first method involves promoting fake online job offers that claim individuals can earn large sums of money from home. Victims are lured into investing small amounts, which initially yield fake returns to build trust.
Gradually, they are urged to invest larger sums with the promise of higher profits. However, once significant amounts are deposited, the scammers demand further payments citing reasons such as “customs fees” or “defence levies”, eventually vanishing with the money.
The second method exploits victims by asking them to provide their personal bank account numbers under the guise of a remote job. Scammers then transfer suspicious funds to these accounts and instruct victims to forward the money to other accounts while retaining a commission. In doing so, victims unknowingly become part of a money laundering operation, risking legal consequences for aiding and abetting financial crimes.
Authorities noted that these scams are often orchestrated by individuals operating from both within and outside Sri Lanka, using sophisticated digital methods to avoid detection.
The public is strongly advised not to respond to unsolicited messages on social media, avoid unknown links and job offers, refrain from sharing personal bank details, and never transfer money on behalf of unknown persons. (Newswire)