According to SLCERT, the scam is reportedly being operated from India, with several complaints already received from victims.
Investigations have revealed that scammers first gain access to individuals’ Facebook profiles using fake accounts and then connect with people on their friends lists.
They subsequently obtain the victim’s WhatsApp number and initiate a video call. During the call, an explicit video often involving a woman is used to manipulate the victim into engaging in inappropriate behavior, while the interaction is secretly recorded.
The fraudsters then use the recorded footage to blackmail the victim, threatening to share it with their friends and contacts on social media platforms.
Victims are pressured to pay money to prevent the release of the video, with instructions typically given to transfer funds to a specific bank account in India.
CERT has urged the public to exercise extreme caution when interacting with unknown individuals online and to avoid responding to suspicious video calls.
Those who have fallen victim to the scam are strongly advised to immediately lodge a complaint at the nearest police station to initiate legal action.
