The Prime Minister’s Office has issued a strong condemnation of fraudulent cryptocurrency scam advertisements circulating on Facebook and Instagram, which falsely feature Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and other prominent Sri Lankan figures.
These deceptive ads, operated by foreign entities, are designed to mislead the public and exploit the trust associated with well-known personalities. Reports indicate that these scams originate from fraudulent accounts based in Lithuania and are specifically targeting Sri Lankan Facebook users.
Similar scam campaigns have previously misused the names and images of Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Minister of Science and Technology MP Chrishantha Abeysena, and well-known journalists Amantha Perera and Sunanda Deshapriya, among other public figures.
Public Advisory
The Prime Minister’s Office urges Sri Lankans to exercise extreme caution when encountering cryptocurrency investment promotions, especially those falsely claiming endorsements from government officials or public figures. It has been reiterated that no government ministry or official has endorsed any cryptocurrency investment scheme.
Despite repeated removal requests, variations of these fraudulent ads continue to appear on social media, raising concerns about Facebook’s inability to effectively curb financial scams.
The government calls on Meta (Facebook’s parent company) to take immediate and decisive action to prevent the spread of such deceptive campaigns and protect Sri Lankan users from financial fraud.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Do not engage with or click on suspicious ads falsely claiming endorsements from public figures.
- Report fraudulent advertisements directly on Facebook and Instagram.
- Verify all financial opportunities through legitimate sources before making any investments.
The Prime Minister’s Office remains committed to combating online fraud and will continue working with relevant authorities to address this growing issue. It also urges media organizations and digital platforms to act responsibly in preventing the spread of misinformation and scams.
For official government updates, citizens are advised to follow the Prime Minister’s Office’s official website and social media channels.
