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Public alerted to rising credit card scams using fake SMS messages

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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 yesterday in a statement, titled Public Advisory: Financial Fraud – Do Not be Deceived by Bank or Police Impersonation Scams’.

Full text of the statement: Sri Lanka CERT has received multiple complaints regarding an ongoing fraudulent scheme in which scammers send SMS messages and online notifications falsely claiming that credit cards have been suspended, with the intention of unlawfully obtaining money and personal information from the public.

Approach Used by Fraudsters

1. Fake Bank Alerts via SMS and Online Messages

It has been reported that scammers send messages stating that a credit card has been suspended due to “suspicious activity,” often mentioning the names of several well-known banks to appear credible. Recipients are instructed to reactivate their cards by clicking on a link and providing sensitive personal information, including their National Identity Card (NIC) number.

These messages typically warn that the card will be permanently cancelled if the information is not provided within 24 hours, creating a sense of urgency. Alarmed recipients may then click on the link and submit their details. Subsequently, fraudsters gain access to the victims’ bank accounts, send a One-Time Password (OTP) to the victim’s phone, obtain that OTP through deception, and proceed to steal funds from the account.

2. Police Impersonation via WhatsApp Video Calls

In another reported method, some victims have received WhatsApp video calls from individuals dressed in police uniforms, impersonating Assistant Superintendents of Police. These callers claim that a criminal is in police custody and allege that the criminal has used the victim’s name and NIC details to obtain credit cards from multiple banks and commit large-scale fraud.

The impersonators pressure and intimidate victims by questioning them while quoting their NIC numbers and bank account details. Complaints indicate that this information is often data previously obtained through earlier fraudulent messages but is presented in a way that makes victims believe it is being accessed by law enforcement. Victims are then threatened with arrest, leading to some transfer of large sums of money in an attempt to avoid legal action.

Advisory to the Public

Sri Lanka CERT strongly urges the public to:

Never share personal or financial information, including NIC numbers, card details, passwords, or OTPs, through unknown or unverified links received via SMS, email, or online messages. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or video calls, even if the caller claims to be a police officer or bank official. Verify directly with your bank or the relevant authorities using official contact details before taking any action. Report suspected fraud immediately to your bank. Staying vigilant and informed is essential to protecting yourself and others from these fraudulent activities.



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Police officers donate LKR 9,687,462 from day’s salary to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

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A sum of LKR. 9,687,462, raised from day’s salary officers of the Police Department, has been donated to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established to support the recovery of communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah and to assist in rebuilding the country following the disaster.

To date, officers of the Police Department have contributed over LKR. 74 million to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund through three such contributions of one day’s salary.

The donation was presented on Wednesday  (22) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat by the Personal Assistant to the Inspector General of Police, Senior Superintendent of Police  C. C. Bamunuarachchi, to the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Chief Inspector  Udaya Kumara, Officer-in-Charge of the Police Secretariat, was also present on the occasion.

[Presidents Media Division]

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 26 April 2026, valid for 27 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry
of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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Opposition asks for PSC to probe Treasury theft

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Sajith

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to investigate the illegal diversion of Treasury funds, amounting to US$2.5 million to a third-party account.

Premadasa has said both the chairmanship and a majority of the Committee’s membership should be held by the Opposition to ensure impartiality.

The government has not only failed to account for the loss of US$2.5 million but also deliberately withheld information from Parliament, the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) and the public, Premadasa has told the media, accusing the ruling party of seeking to deflect responsibility by initiating an internal departmental inquiry, which he describes as a biased process designed to justify predetermined conclusions.

The Opposition Leader has said only a transparent and independent probe could establish the facts, adding that such an investigation could be effectively carried out through a Parliamentary Select Committee led by the Opposition.

He has also warned that the alleged failure to inform Parliament about the missing funds amounted to a serious breach of accountability.

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