Fake SMS Links: Police warn of rising scams targeting bank accounts

March 27, 2026 at 10:27 AM

The Sri Lanka Police have warned the public of rising online scams targeting bank accounts and personal information, urging citizens to remain vigilant when shopping online or receiving courier services.

Officials highlighted that fraudsters are sending SMS messages claiming delivery issues and prompting users to click on suspicious links. 

One such example displayed by the Police read: “We are unable to ship your order because the address you entered is invalid. Please fill in the shipping address correctly: [link]”, which was flagged as a fraudulent message.

The public has been urged to adhere to the following safety measures:

  • Verify orders directly: After placing an order, contact the company using its official telephone number to confirm details.
  • Do not share sensitive information: Refrain from disclosing bank card or personal details by clicking on links such as “Update your details” received via SMS or messaging platforms.
  • Beware of phishing sites: Fraudulent websites designed to resemble legitimate platforms may compromise your funds.
  • Be cautious with SMS links: Messages claiming delivery problems or urging updates may be scams.

The Police stressed that such scams are designed to closely mimic legitimate services, and urged the public to exercise caution to protect both personal data and financial security. (Newswire)