The Rise of Online Scams in Sri Lanka: A Growing Threat

Sri Lanka is witnessing a troubling surge in online scams, with 108 cases reported in just the first two months of this year, according to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT). These fraudulent activities, which often involve deceptive phone calls and text messages, have left many victims in financial distress. Cybersecurity experts warn that such scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting unsuspecting individuals through social media, fake websites, and even foreign phone numbers.

How Online Scams are Evolving

Charuka Damunupola, a senior cybersecurity engineer at SLCERT, revealed in an interview with BBC Sinhala that fraudsters are using a variety of digital platforms to deceive people. Common scams include fake lottery winnings, bogus parcel delivery notifications, and phishing links that compromise users' mobile devices.

"Many scams involve messages claiming that the recipient has won a prize or has an undelivered parcel. When victims click on the provided links, scammers gain access to sensitive data stored on their phones," Damunupola explained. "What’s more concerning is that fraudsters often use international phone numbers to appear legitimate."

Recognizing Fraudulent Calls and Messages

One of the biggest challenges in tackling cyber fraud is public awareness. Many people fail to recognize a scam until it is too late. So, how can one identify a fraudulent call or message?

According to cybersecurity specialists, here are some key red flags:

Unexpected Prize Notifications: If you receive a message claiming you have won a lottery or prize without entering any contest, it is likely a scam.

Urgent Payment Requests: Fraudsters often pressure victims into making quick payments by pretending to be representatives from banks, government agencies, or delivery services.

Suspicious Links: Messages containing shortened or unfamiliar URLs should be treated with caution, as they may lead to phishing websites designed to steal personal information.

Calls from Foreign Numbers: Many scammers use international phone numbers to appear credible. Some even impersonate known contacts by hijacking their phone numbers.

The Role of Messaging Apps in Online Scams

Fraudsters frequently exploit popular messaging apps like WhatsApp to carry out their schemes. Experts suggest enabling the ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ option on WhatsApp to block calls from unverified numbers.

Asela Waidyalankara, a cybersecurity specialist, advised the public to avoid answering calls or responding to messages from unknown numbers. “Scammers initiate fraud by simply getting you to respond. Sometimes they call and hang up, prompting you to return the call, which then exposes you to further deception,” he warned.

Financial Literacy and Digital Awareness

The increase in online scams is partly attributed to a lack of financial literacy among the public. Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe recently emphasized the importance of educating citizens on secure digital transactions. He pointed out that many people fall victim to fraud because they are unaware of safe online payment methods.

During a workshop in Nuwara Eliya, Weerasinghe highlighted how China has transitioned to digital payment methods, even for small transactions like giving money to street vendors. He stressed that Sri Lanka should move towards similar financial security measures by promoting secure digital payment systems such as Lanka QR and Lanka Pay.

Protecting Yourself from Online Scams

Cybersecurity experts recommend the following measures to stay safe from digital fraud:

Verify Unknown Calls and Messages: Never respond to messages or calls from unknown numbers without verifying their authenticity.

Use Official App Stores: Only download apps from trusted sources like Google Play Store or Apple App Store to avoid malware-infected applications.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Strengthen security by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on financial and social media accounts.

Use Credit Cards for Online Payments: Unlike debit cards, credit cards offer better fraud protection and the ability to dispute unauthorized transactions.


As online scams become more sophisticated, Sri Lankans must remain vigilant against cyber fraud. Awareness and education are the most effective tools in combating these crimes. The public is encouraged to report suspicious activities to authorities and take proactive steps to secure their digital transactions. By staying informed and cautious, individuals can protect themselves from becoming victims of the ever-growing wave of online scams.