The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has uncovered information about a large-scale organised online extortion scam targeting Sri Lankans through social media and messaging platforms.
According to SLCERT, information gathered so far indicates that the operation is being carried out from India.
The scammers reportedly study their intended victims in advance and add the victims’ relatives, siblings and friends to their contact or friends lists.
The approach typically begins when the targeted person receives a simple “Hi” message from an unfamiliar Instagram account using the photograph of an attractive young woman.
If the person responds, the scammers continue the conversation over several days and attempt to build trust. They then try to persuade the victim to share intimate images or participate in video calls.
SLCERT says the scammers subsequently use captured material to threaten victims, warning that it will be sent to their family members, relatives or friends unless money is paid.
The agency has urged the public to exercise extreme caution when responding to messages, friend requests or calls from unknown accounts or telephone numbers. (Newswire)