The Sri Lanka Police has warned the public against fraudulent websites and text messages impersonating the official GovPay platform in an attempt to steal money from users.
In a public advisory, police said scammers have created fake websites resembling the government’s GovPay digital payment platform, which is used to make online payments for government services, including on-the-spot traffic fines issued by police.
Police said they have also received reports of fraudulent text messages sent in the name of the Sri Lanka Police, falsely informing recipients that they had committed speeding or other traffic offences and directing them to make payments through unofficial web links.
The Sri Lanka Police stressed that officers issue on-the-spot traffic fines only after informing offenders at the scene or initiate legal proceedings where applicable.
Police also clarified that even when traffic violations are detected through surveillance camera systems, they do not send text messages requesting bank account details or instructing motorists to pay fines through unofficial links.
The public has been advised to avoid clicking on suspicious links or making payments through unofficial websites. Those who believe they have been targeted or have fallen victim to such scams are urged to report the incident to the nearest police station. (Newswire)