The Sri Lanka Police have issued a public warning urging citizens to remain vigilant against organized financial scams carried out through social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, where fraudsters impersonate police officers using stolen photographs, fake documents, and forged official insignia.
According to Police Headquarters, authorities have received a growing number of complaints regarding such scams and have already arrested several suspects following ongoing investigations.
The scammers reportedly contact victims by claiming to represent the Sri Lanka Police, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), or the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. They often allege that the victim's bank account has been linked to money laundering activities or that a bank card issued in another region has been used for fraudulent transactions. Victims are then threatened with legal action unless they cooperate.
Fraudsters also claim that a confidential investigation is underway and attempt to gain the victim's trust by sending forged police identity cards, official documents, and photographs of police officers via WhatsApp.
In many cases, victims are asked to provide One-Time Passwords (OTPs) under the pretext of verifying or unfreezing their bank accounts. Others are instructed to transfer funds to different bank accounts or make payments using cryptocurrencies such as USDT.
The Sri Lanka Police emphasized that no government or private institution will ever request sensitive personal or banking information—including National Identity Card numbers, bank account details, card numbers, CVV codes, passwords, or OTPs—through phone calls or WhatsApp messages.
The public has also been advised not to transfer money in response to threats claiming that bank accounts will be frozen or legal proceedings initiated. Anyone receiving such calls should independently verify the information by contacting the relevant bank or institution using its official telephone numbers.
Police further stressed that the Sri Lanka Police, the Criminal Investigation Department, and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka do not conduct official investigations through personal WhatsApp accounts or request the public to deposit money into bank accounts for any investigation.
Official notifications are issued in writing, and when necessary, police officers conducting official duties will appear in uniform.
The Police also urged the public to immediately report any fake documents or suspicious messages received through WhatsApp or other social media platforms to the nearest police station. Citizens are further advised to avoid clicking suspicious links, participating in online prize schemes, or engaging with unknown individuals on social media.
Police Headquarters reiterated that the Sri Lanka Police do not charge the public any fees for conducting investigations.
Anyone who encounters individuals or groups impersonating police officers or attempting to obtain money under the guise of official investigations is requested to immediately report the matter to the Computer Crimes Investigation Division using the following contact numbers:
Director, Computer Crimes Investigation Division: +94 71 859 2918
Computer Crimes Investigation Officers: +94 71 859 1765
Computer Crimes Investigation Division (Office): +94 11 230 0756
