Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned the public of a sophisticated financial scam in which fraudsters impersonate officials from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) to steal money from bank depositors.
SLCERT said it has received complaints about individuals posing as officials of the two institutions and using forged official letterheads and other materials to convince victims that they are legitimate.
According to the warning, scammers initially contact victims through mobile phones and social media and inquire about funds held in savings and fixed deposit accounts.
They claim to already have information about the victims’ deposits and falsely tell them that complaints have been received alleging the money was obtained through fraudulent means. Victims are then threatened with an FCID investigation.
The scammers subsequently send forged letters carrying fake Central Bank letterheads, purported officials’ signatures and rubber stamps. Victims are instructed to transfer their money to a specified account at another private bank.
According to SLCERT, the fraudsters claim the account belongs to an FCID officer and initially instruct victims to transfer half of their deposits. After the transfer, victims are asked to provide the bank deposit slip as proof of payment.
SLCERT said those behind the scam operate in a highly sophisticated manner and reportedly possess police uniforms, bank identification cards and rubber stamps to make the scheme appear legitimate.
The agency urged the public to remain highly vigilant, warning that retirees and elderly people may be particularly vulnerable to the scam.
It also called on the public to make elderly family members aware of the scheme and advise them not to respond to requests seeking financial information or money transfers. (Newswire)