February 06, Colombo (LNW): Cybersecurity experts are raising alarm over a significant increase in fraudulent job advertisements that are using the logos of reputable government institutions to deceive the public.
These scams, primarily spread through social media platforms, are designed to lure unsuspecting individuals into sharing sensitive personal information.
Charuka Damunupola, a Senior Information Security Engineer at the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team (SLCERT), disclosed that numerous cases have been reported recently, where scammers have exploited the trust associated with official government branding to create fake job postings.
These advertisements often appear legitimate at first glance, making it difficult for job seekers to differentiate between authentic and fraudulent offers.
In response to these growing threats, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued a public warning about a specific fraudulent advertisement that is circulating online, falsely claiming to offer job opportunities under its name.
The CBSL has clarified that the advertisement is entirely fabricated and has urged the public to remain vigilant, as such scams could result in personal data theft and financial loss.
In addition, similar scams have been reported involving fake job ads using the logo of SriLankan Airlines, further highlighting the prevalence of this type of cyber fraud.
These fraudulent advertisements are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder for individuals to discern their authenticity.
Damunupola further cautioned that responding to these deceptive job offers could lead to identity theft. Scammers often create fake websites that request sensitive documents such as national identity cards, passports, and birth certificates.
By submitting personal data to these unverified platforms, individuals expose themselves to the risk of having their information stolen or misused.
Authorities are advising the public to exercise caution and verify job postings directly through official government or corporate websites.
They also recommend avoiding engagement with suspicious or unsolicited advertisements to safeguard personal information and protect against potential scams.
