Be Aware of this Face Book Scam

Woman Arrested for Defrauding Facebook Users of Rs. 4.5 Million through Fake Interest Schemes

In a recent development, a woman was arrested by Hettan Police for defrauding individuals from various regions across the country through deceptive Facebook advertisements promising high-interest rates. The total amount defrauded is close to Rs. 4.5 million.

The woman was arrested on March 9 and, following a court appearance before Hettan Magistrate M. Farudin on March 10, was ordered to remain in police custody until March 18.

According to a statement from a police officer, the suspect had collected Rs. 500,000 from a woman in the Hettan area under the false pretense of offering high interest rates. The victim later reported the matter to the police when she did not receive the promised interest or her principal amount.

Following the arrest, the suspect was granted bail under strict conditions by the Hettan Magistrate’s Court, which included mandatory sign-ins at the Hettan Police Criminal Investigation Division every last Sunday of the month. However, the woman failed to appear for three scheduled hearings, and the police confirmed that she had evaded court attendance for a period of five months.

The suspect was reportedly hiding in the Mahanuwara, Thenegedara area, separated from her husband and children. She was tracked down on March 9 after receiving a tip-off that she was traveling to Hettan Railway Station by train. Acting on this information, a special police operation led by Police Inspector Nishanth de Silva and Chief Inspector Ranjith Jayasena resulted in the woman's arrest.

Investigations revealed that the woman had posted fake advertisements on Facebook, promising high interest rates and collecting money from various individuals. So far, nearly Rs. 4.5 million has been confirmed as defrauded. Police anticipate more victims to come forward.

The police have urged the public to be cautious when encountering financial schemes that promise high returns, advising thorough research before making any investment. Furthermore, they request anyone with information regarding this fraud to contact Hettan Police.

The woman will remain in custody until March 18 as investigations continue. The police continue to caution the public about rising financial scams.