Police said that numerous complaints are received on a daily basis concerning online financial fraud, with a significant number of incidents reported through platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and other social media groups and accounts. Recognising the seriousness of the situation, Sri Lanka Police have taken steps in 2026 to strengthen public awareness and enforce the law in a systematic and planned manner.
According to police, 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, easy loans, or other financial benefits, and subsequently direct victims to deposit money into various accounts.
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant when using the Internet and cautioned against falling for fraudulent offers made by unknown individuals or unverified social media groups claiming to provide income-generating opportunities. The public has also been advised to avoid using QR codes or internet extensions shared by unknown parties, refrain from transferring money to unknown individuals online, and never disclose banking details, PIN numbers, or OTPs to third parties.
Sri Lanka Police have identified several common types of online financial fraud reported in the country. These include fake social media accounts created to impersonate well-known individuals or institutions, online loan scams offering instant or no-repayment loans, phishing links sent in the name of banks or service providers, fake online job offers, romance and relationship scams, cryptocurrency and forex investment frauds, lottery and prize scams, online shopping frauds, and schemes targeting children and elderly persons.
To protect against online financial fraud, police advised the public to verify official social media pages, avoid clicking on suspicious links, use only trusted online platforms, and refrain from sharing personal documents or financial information with unknown parties. The public has also been urged to immediately report any suspected online financial fraud to the Cyber Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department.
