The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SL CERT) has issued a warning to the public to be vigilant about fake messages that appear to be sent by various banks, commercial institutions, and international organizations. According to a statement from SL CERT, these scams falsely promise donations, cash gifts, lucky draws, and job insurance, using the names of legitimate entities to deceive individuals.

SL CERT highlighted that cyber criminals are contacting individuals through fake websites, social media platforms, SMS, and WhatsApp. By accessing the links provided in these messages, individuals risk having their data stolen from computers and mobile phones, leading to various forms of abuse and financial fraud.

There has been a noticeable increase in these types of crimes recently, with a growing number of victims reported. SL CERT noted that fraudsters often exploit national and religious festivals to take advantage of the public's trust during these times.

In response to this surge in scams, SL CERT and other organizations have launched extensive awareness campaigns. Despite these efforts, the number of complaints from victims continues to rise, largely due to ignorance and neglect, according to the statement.

SL CERT advises the public to verify any suspicious messages by visiting the official websites of the respective institutions, contacting them through official phone numbers, or making inquiries before responding to such messages on the internet and social media. Additionally, SL CERT requests the public to refrain from opening or responding to these fraudulent messages to prevent falling victim to these scams.