December 26, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has raised alarms about a concerning rise in online financial scams targeting unsuspecting individuals during the festive season.
SLCERT’s Chief Information Security Officer Nirosh Ananda has urged the public to be extra cautious, as reports of financial fraud have been steadily increasing in recent weeks.
Ananda explained that scammers are exploiting the festive spirit by contacting people with offers of fake prizes and gifts.
In many cases, individuals have received unsolicited calls informing them that they have won valuable items or money, only to be asked for personal details or financial information in return.
These fraudulent schemes often lead to significant financial losses for the victims.
In addition to these traditional scams, Ananda highlighted the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to facilitate fraudulent activities.
He noted that scammers are increasingly employing AI tools to impersonate legitimate organisations or even to manipulate online communications, making it more difficult for the average person to distinguish between genuine offers and deceptive schemes.
Given the sophistication of these scams, the SLCERT has called on the public to be especially vigilant.
“We urge individuals to be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or messages, particularly those that involve financial transactions or requests for personal information,” Ananda warned. “It is crucial to verify the authenticity of any such communications before taking any action.“
SLCERT has also advised that individuals should report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly.
As scams become more sophisticated, the organisation emphasised the need for increased public awareness to protect oneself from falling victim to these deceptive tactics, especially during the holiday season when such scams tend to proliferate.
