Online Fraud Cases Continue to Rise Despite Repeated Warnings

Authorities report that online financial scams are continuing to increase, even after multiple public advisories, with criminals increasingly misusing the identities of trusted institutions to trick victims.

According to Sri Lanka Police, recent investigations reveal a rise in more advanced fraud schemes. In many cases, scammers pose as officials from recognised organisations and convince individuals to download mobile apps, claiming they are needed to access genuine services.

Victims are then asked to share their phone screens under the pretext of receiving guidance. This enables fraudsters to remotely access devices and carry out unauthorised banking transactions, transferring money to other accounts without the user’s knowledge.

Police noted that limited digital awareness among the public is a key factor contributing to the growing number of such incidents, leaving many people exposed to these tactics.

They further warned that many scams originate from social media advertisements promoting “quick income” or “high-return investment” opportunities. These often build trust by offering small initial returns before eventually defrauding victims of larger amounts.

Authorities urge the public to stay alert at all times. Sensitive information such as bank details, passwords, and one-time passwords (OTPs) should never be shared with anyone. People are also advised to avoid clicking on suspicious links, installing unfamiliar apps, or granting screen access to unknown individuals.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or affected is strongly encouraged to immediately contact their bank and take steps to secure their accounts.