The Police have issued an urgent alert about a fraudulent scheme using a fake website designed to mimic the Digital Economy Ministry’s GovTech GOV PAY platform to steal money and sensitive personal data from the public.

The official GOV PAY system was introduced earlier this year to simplify traffic fine payments and reduce financial fraud. 

However, scammers are circulating phishing links via SMS and WhatsApp messages, directing individuals to a bogus site that compromises funds and private details.

Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Traffic Control and Road Safety Range, W. P. J. Senadheera stressed that there are no alternative websites or links authorized for payments through GOV PAY. 

He urged motorists not to respond to such messages or provide personal information.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and the Police strongly advised the public to remain vigilant against these scams and to use only the official GOV PAY platform for traffic fine payments. (Newswire)

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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)

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Authorities have uncovered an alleged racket involving fraudulent Israeli job contracts operating within the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). 

Two suspects were arrested yesterday (12) after they were found preparing fake agreements claiming to provide employment opportunities in Israel.

According to the SLBFE, the suspects had brought individuals to the Bureau and attempted to issue them with forged contracts. 

They were taken into custody while on the first floor of the SLBFE premises, where police recovered seven foreign travel passports and several documents, including fabricated Israeli job contracts.

The arrested individuals are scheduled to be produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court today (13).

The SLBFE has launched further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police have issued a public advisory warning of a surge in financial scams carried out via social media platforms by fraudsters impersonating Police officers with stolen or fabricated photographs and fake online profiles.

The Police said numerous complaints continue to be received despite arrests and repeated awareness campaigns. 

Current investigations reveal criminals are creating fake WhatsApp, Telegram, and other accounts falsely claiming to represent the Police or government institutions.

The Sri Lanka Police urge the public to remain vigilant and pay close attention to the following fraudulent tactics:

• Fake calls from individuals posing as officers of the Central Bank, CID, or other units.
• False claims that National Identity Cards have been misused, fraudulent accounts opened, or bank accounts linked to money laundering.
• Threats of legal action while sending forged police IDs, documents, or badges via WhatsApp/social media.
• Requests for confidential data such as OTPs, passwords, or banking credentials under the guise of verification.
• Pressure to transfer funds to unfamiliar accounts or cryptocurrency wallets (including USDT).

The Sri Lanka Police advise the public to observe the following precautions to protecting personal and financial information:

• Never share sensitive data: No institution will request NIC, bank details, card numbers, CVV, PIN, or OTP via phone or social media.
• Do not transfer money based on threats of frozen accounts or blocked cards.
• Verify with your bank using official contact numbers before sending funds.
• Police and Central Bank protocols: Investigations are not conducted via personal WhatsApp accounts or personal bank deposits.
• Check authenticity: Documents or IDs sent via social media may be forged — report immediately.
• Avoid suspicious links, downloads, or QR codes from unknown sources.

The public are urged to reporting such scams. Victims or those receiving suspicious calls/messages are urged to report immediately:

• Computer Crime Investigation Division – Supervisory Officer: 071 8592918
• Investigation Officer: 071 8591765
• Division Office: 011 2300756

Complaints may also be lodged in person at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police has cautioned motorists against fraudulent SMS and WhatsApp messages instructing them to pay traffic fines online through suspicious web links.

The messages, which appear to originate from the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT), claim that fines must be settled within a week for alleged traffic offences. 

However, DIG W. P. J. Senadeera, in charge of the Traffic Control and Road Safety Range, said that the DMT has not issued any such notifications, stressing that the messages are entirely fake.

DIG Senadeera urged the public not to open the links, provide personal or banking details, or respond to the messages. “They are completely fake. Do not respond and fall victim to this scam,” he said.

He further advised that anyone affected should immediately inform the nearest police station. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Union has warned the public to be vigilant against individuals posing as public health inspectors and demanding money across several parts of the island.

In a statement, the Union said numerous incidents have been reported where institutions and private homes were deceived, with false collections of money carried out under the guise of official duties.

It noted that these demands were linked to house inspections during the ongoing dengue epidemic, with impostors exploiting the situation to solicit payments.

The Union stressed that under no circumstance do public health inspectors charge or collect money in relation to their duties.

Accordingly, the public has been advised not to hand over money to anyone claiming to be a public health inspector. 

The Union further urged that if such demands are made, the matter should be immediately reported to the Police and relevant authorities. (Newswire)

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Police have received complaints against a group allegedly impersonating Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and demanding money from shop owners to avoid legal action.

Investigations reveal that the suspects, dressed in uniforms resembling those of PHIs, visited shops in Anuradhapura, Eppawala, Thalawa, and Thambuttegama, pointing out supposed shortcomings before soliciting payments.

CCTV footage has shown that the uniforms used were similar to those issued to staff of hospital malaria control units, enabling the group to carry out the deception.

Authorities say the group has repeatedly engaged in this fraudulent activity, targeting businesses across several districts. Police are continuing investigations to identify and apprehend those involved. (Newswire)

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The Police Media Division has issued a revised statement correcting a telephone number mistakenly included in its April 23 release on a fraudulent mobile application scam linked to SriLankan Airlines.

The earlier release (D/Media/Out/649/2026) had listed 011‑7771979 among numbers linked to fraudsters posing as “Sri Lankan Airline” via WhatsApp and directing users to install a malicious app named SriLankan.apk. 

SriLankan Airlines Limited has since clarified that 011‑7771979 is its official, lawful contact number, and requested its removal from the release.

Following this request by the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, the Police Media Division re‑issued the advisory, warning the public of the ongoing scam while excluding the legitimate number.

Investigations have revealed that fraudsters use three fake websites, srilankan[.]wuozgo[.]cc, srilankan[.]vaco[.]cc, and srilankan[.]krgo[.]cc, to distribute the SriLankan.apk app, identified as a banking Trojan. Once installed, the app enables remote access to mobile devices, exposing sensitive personal data and allowing unauthorized transactions.

The scam involves obtaining One‑Time Passwords (OTPs), bank account details, and biometric authentication data to illegally transfer funds. The following numbers are linked to the fraudulent operation:

• 077‑4558361
• 074‑1142208
• 077‑5791209
• 074‑3268200

Police caution that individuals and groups continue to exploit the public with such schemes, often luring victims with promises of instant financial gain. The public is strongly urged to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to these deceptive practices. (Newswire)

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A 60‑year‑old resident of Gampaha, identified as a leading fraudster linked to multiple foreign employment scams, has been arrested by Yakkala Police during a special raid in the Balummahara area.

Police said the suspect had deceived individuals by promising overseas jobs and collecting money, and was wanted under open warrants issued by the Marawila Magistrate’s Court in connection with several financial fraud cases.

During the raid, conducted based on a tip-off, officers found the suspect in possession of a fake national identity card and a forged driving license. 

Investigations revealed that he had prepared false identity documents to evade arrest and continue his fraudulent activities.

Yakkala Police confirmed that further investigations are underway into the suspect’s operations. (Newswire)

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SriLankan Airlines has issued a public warning over a surge in scam activities targeting passengers and potential customers.

In a statement, the airline said it has identified incidents of individuals impersonating staff through WhatsApp and direct phone calls. 

Scammers have reportedly asked recipients to install mobile applications, share their screens, or disclose sensitive financial details such as one-time passwords (OTPs), banking PINs, and credit card information.

The airline stressed that it does not contact customers via WhatsApp or make unsolicited calls for ticketing, promotions, or any other purpose. 

It further said that SriLankan Airlines will never request confidential information, such as OTPs, banking PINs, credit card details, or any confidential information, nor ask customers to share screens or install applications.

Passengers and the public are strongly advised to remain vigilant, disregard such communications, and report them to the relevant authorities. 

The airline urged customers to verify all promotions and offers only through its official website, www.srilankan.com, or verified social media channels. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police have warned the public to be extremely cautious of fraudulent messages currently circulating on social media that claim to offer cheap or special discounts on airline tickets.

According to the Police, these advertisements are designed to deceive customers and steal money through misinformation. 

Authorities have urged the public to take several precautions:

• Avoid clicking on suspicious links: Unknown or unverified website links promoting discounts may be used to steal your personal information.
• Do not share banking details: No legitimate airline or trusted agency will request your OTPs, passwords, or sensitive financial information via calls or messages.
• Verify through official sources: Always check offers through the airline’s official website or verified social media pages.
• Consult reliable agents: Confirm details with a registered and reputable travel agent before booking tickets.

The Police further stressed that no legitimate airline or trusted agency will request sensitive financial information via calls or messages. 

They further urged the public not to fall victim to scams, to remain alert, and to spread awareness to protect others. (Newswire)

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Leading cybersecurity strategist Asela Waidyalankara has warned the public of a fraudulent website currently masquerading as the official Fuel Pass platform.

Taking to ‘X’, he cautioned that the fake site is designed to mislead users into entering personal information, stressing that it is not the legitimate government‑run platform. 

Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid sharing sensitive data, and rely only on verified official channels when accessing Fuel Pass services.

The warning comes amid growing concerns about online scams targeting essential public services. (Newswire)

There is a fraudulent website currently masquerading as the official Fuel Pass platform.

Please do not enter any of your personal information on the site mentioned below It is not the legitimate website. #CybersecurityLK

https://t.co/YzhVQ6qozN pic.twitter.com/05BB0z4Vxf

— Asela Waidyalankara (@aselawaid) March 16, 2026

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The Police have issued a public warning regarding fraudulent activities carried out by organized groups impersonating senior police officers.

According to reports, these groups have been making phone calls to tourist hotels and other private institutions in Colombo, posing as high-ranking police officials. 

They have allegedly deceived establishments by claiming that food supplies and money were required for various events. Investigations into these scams have already commenced. 

Police emphasized that such fraudulent activities are being conducted by individuals or organized groups and urged the public and institutions not to be misled.

Authorities further requested that anyone with information related to these incidents immediately inform the nearest police station or contact the designated telephone numbers provided. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka CERT has alerted the public to a rising credit card scam involving fake SMS messages and online alerts claiming cards have been suspended due to “suspicious activity.”

Victims are tricked into clicking links and entering personal information, including NIC numbers, after being warned their cards will be cancelled within 24 hours. Scammers then use this data and obtain OTPs to steal funds from accounts, CERT said.

In a separate tactic, fraudsters have reportedly impersonated police officers via WhatsApp video calls, claiming a criminal in custody used the victim’s NIC to commit fraud. Victims are threatened with arrest and pressured into transferring money.

Sri Lanka CERT advises the public not to share sensitive information via unknown links or calls and to verify with banks directly. Suspicious activity should be reported immediately. (Newswire)

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The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) has issued a warning to stakeholders and the public regarding a fraudulent AI-generated video circulating on social media. 

The video features an image of the BOI Director General and CEO, Ms Renuka M. Weerakone, and falsely attributes statements to her.

In its announcement, the BOI stressed that the video is a scam and urged the public to remain vigilant. 

The institution advised individuals to verify information only through official channels and to report any encountered video, emphasising the importance of safeguarding against misinformation and digital fraud. (Newswire)

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Raising public awareness on online financial fraud through social media platforms, the Sri Lanka Police has outlined 09 common types of online financial fraud reported in Sri Lanka.

Issuing a statement, Police Spokesman ASP F.U.Wootler said the Sri Lanka Police wishes to educate the public regarding the increasing number of financial irregularities and fraudulent activities committed through the Internet, particularly via social media platforms.

The statement further said that on a daily basis, numerous complaints are being reported concerning online financial fraud, especially those perpetrated through Telegram, WhatsApp, and other social media groups and accounts. 

Recognizing the seriousness of this issue, the Sri Lanka Police have taken steps in 2026 to further draw public attention to these crimes and to enforce the law in a systematic and planned manner.

It has been observed that individuals are being deceived into revealing confidential information such as bank account details, usernames, passwords, One-Time Passwords (OTPs), and QR codes. 

Fraudsters often operate under the guise of offering online employment opportunities, investment schemes, or other financial benefits, subsequently directing victims to deposit money into various accounts.

Accordingly, Sri Lanka Police urged the public to remain vigilant when using the Internet and to pay close attention to the following precautions:

• Do not fall victim to fraudulent offers or inducements made by unknown individuals or unverified social media groups claiming to provide income-generating opportunities.
• Avoid using internet extensions, QR codes, or scan codes shared by unknown persons or social media groups.
• Refrain from transferring money to unknown individuals online, sharing banking information, or permitting others to use your bank accounts.
• Never disclose account numbers, passwords, PINs, or OTP codes to third parties.
• Exercise caution when installing mobile applications or browser extensions provided by unknown sources, and do not grant unnecessary access permissions to your electronic devices.

The Police Department highlighted the following common types of online financial fraud reported in Sri Lanka;

1. Fraudulent Connections (Fake Accounts / Impersonation)

• Creation of fake social media accounts using the names and images of well-known individuals or institutions to deceive the public.

2. Online Loan Scams (Easy Money Frauds)

• Advertisements for “instant loans” or “no-repayment loans” via social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp.
• Victims are first asked to pay a “service fee” or “registration charge,” after which no loan is provided.
• In some cases, a small loan is issued, followed by demands for excessive interest, harassment, and intimidation of family members and friends.

3. Phishing Links (Fraudulent Links)

• Deceptive links sent in the name of banks, telecommunications providers, delivery services, or via WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
• These links are used to obtain passwords, OTPs, and banking details to unlawfully withdraw funds.

4. Online Job Frauds

• Fake online data entry or work-from-home job offers promising unrealistically high salaries.
• Victims are asked to pay registration or processing fees.

5. Romance and Relationship Scams

• Fake profiles on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, or Messenger created to gain trust and extract money.
• Requests for funds under claims of receiving “gift parcels” from abroad.

6. Investment Scams (Crypto / Forex Fraud)

• Fraudulent investment schemes promoted through Telegram channels and Facebook groups promising high returns.
• Requests for registration fees, wallet transfers, referral schemes, and advance payments.

7. Lottery and Prize Scams

• Claims that victims have won large sums of money and must first pay taxes or processing fees to receive the prize.
• Fraudsters impersonating “prize officers” via WhatsApp or phone calls.

8. Online Shopping Frauds

• Fake Facebook pages or groups advertising goods for sale, where products are never delivered after payment.
• Sellers insisting on cash-only or direct bank transfers and operating without verifiable identities.

9. Targeting of Children and Elderly Persons

• Elderly individuals being targeted through foreign-based online assistance or help requests.
• Children being exploited through gaming top-up scams, fake “free skins” links, and related online deceptions.

Sri Lanka Police further outlined the following safety measures the public could take to protect themselves against online financial fraud;

• Verify official pages and check for verified badges.
• Never share bank details, National Identity Card (NIC) information, login credentials, or card details with others.
• Do not disclose OTPs, passwords, or PIN numbers to anyone under any circumstances.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious or unfamiliar links.
• Use only trusted and verified online platforms and accounts.
• Do not provide personal documents, photographs, or financial information to unknown parties.
• If a request for money is made, verify the identity of the individual through reliable means.
• Immediately report any suspected fraud to the Cyber Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Sri Lanka Police.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and not fall victim to financial fraud committed via social media. (Newswire)

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The Presidential Secretariat has issued a statement clarifying that a news item circulating on social media under the title “Rapid Complaint Handling Procedure for Irregularities Involving Grama Niladhari” is false.

According to the Secretariat, the post contains fraudulent hotline and direct telephone numbers and falsely claims to have been issued by the Presidential Secretariat.

Officials stressed that the information is inaccurate and deceptive, and urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified content on social media platforms.

The Secretariat further emphasized the importance of relying only on official announcements and verified sources for information related to government procedures. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has issued a warning to the public about fraudulent messages circulating on WhatsApp, Facebook, and other social media platforms, falsely claiming to provide post-disaster relief for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

According to the ministry, these messages often request personal information under the pretense of offering aid. Officials stressed that all legitimate data collection for disaster relief is carried out through official government channels — specifically, the District and Divisional Secretariats, with assistance from field officers, including those from the ministry and Grama Niladhari officers.

The public is urged not to share personal information with unauthorized individuals or respond to unverified messages.

The ministry also stated that legal action will be taken against those involved in scams or other deceptive practices aimed at exploiting affected communities. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police Headquarters has issued a public alert urging citizens to exercise caution when obtaining loans via the Internet or mobile phones, following an increase in complaints related to deceptive lending practices. 

According to the Police, a significant number of institutions are currently advertising loans online and through mobile platforms, often attractively presenting these offers. 

In some cases, unsolicited phone calls are also used to promote the availability of instant loans without any collateral requirements. 

However, reports received by the Sri Lanka Police reveal that many individuals are facing serious financial difficulties after obtaining such loans without paying due attention to the interest rates and repayment terms involved. 

Daily complaints indicate that, in many cases, borrowers are unexpectedly required to pay extremely high interest rates. 

Moreover, these institutions are allegedly engaging in unethical recovery practices such as repeatedly calling borrowers in a harassing manner and publishing defamatory content on social media platforms to shame those who fall behind on payments. 

In response to these concerns, the Sri Lanka Police conducted a joint inquiry with the Non-Banking Financial Institutions Supervision Department of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. 

Findings confirmed that many of the entities offering loans through digital platforms are not regulated by the Central Bank. The Central Bank has stated that steps are being taken to bring such institutions under proper regulatory oversight. 

In light of this situation, the Sri Lanka Police urge the public to obtain financial services only from institutions that are duly regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to avoid potential exploitation and financial harm. 

For further information or to report any suspicious financial activities, members of the public are encouraged to contact their nearest police station or refer to the official website of the Central Bank. (Newswire)

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Three suspects have been arrested in Bambalapitiya for financially defrauding the public, promising jobs in Canada. 

According to the Police, the suspects were arrested with a fake visa sticker by officials from the Bambalapitiya Police Station, yesterday (25). 

The arrested suspects are a 69-year-old man from Borella, and two women aged 26 and 68, from the Gonagangaara and Borella areas.

Police investigations have found that one female suspect had defrauded Rs. 3,831,000 and Rs. 3,436,000, promising to send people to Canada. 

The Bambalapitiya Police have launched a probe to find out if the suspects were involved in other similar scams. (Newswire)

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