Cybercrime has generated significant concern worldwide. While many countries experience this issue at varying levels, some face a stronger presence.
Sri Lanka is becoming another country facing the same risks. This operation is seemingly guided by foreign agents in Sri Lanka.
It is now possible to identify a situation where representatives from countries such as China, Myanmar, Pakistan, and India come into the country to engage in smuggling operations.
Want to get an instant loan?
“Click this link to receive an instant loan of 50,000 rupees.” Messages are spreading rapidly through social media in Sri Lanka.
Several cases have revealed that many people misled by such messages have fallen victim to cyber-financial crimes, with new incidents reported daily.
Police and law enforcement agencies have reported increasing cyber crimes as more people are encouraged to use internet banking services.
It has now been discovered that some of these scams operate in Sri Lanka and other foreign countries. Despite efforts to raise awareness about them, society still lacks interest in avoiding them.
300 cyber criminals arrested
In recent weeks, there has been increased focus on financial crimes committed in cyberspace, particularly following the arrest of a group of foreigners, including Chinese nationals, by the Criminal Investigation Department.
Starting in July 2024, there has been a notable rise in the arrest of foreigners in Sri Lanka on suspicion of online financial fraud. Recently, a group of foreigners operating this scam while staying in hotels and lodges in areas such as Puttalam and Kandy was arrested.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that individuals have organised into groups to commit cyber-financial crimes. The police report that over 300 people, including nationals from China and various other countries, have been arrested so far. The Criminal Investigation Department is conducting further investigations into this operation.
1100 complaints
In September alone, 232 complaints were received about internet scams. The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Forum, an active organisation in this area, has noted a significant increase in the number of complaints related to this issue.
Over 1,100 complaints about these scams were received in the first nine months of the year. Additionally, some observations have been made regarding smugglers’ behaviour and tactics.
The main issue is that some individuals rent houses or buildings at excessively high prices. The police have warned the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals immediately if they have any relevant information.
A more tricky program
Recently, there has been a rise in online fraud, with reports of personal banking data and one-time passwords being stolen during transactions. Additionally, scammers are using the names of legitimate banks to create fake websites, leading to the theft of individuals’ banking and credit card information.
Research indicates that individuals aged 40 to 65 are particularly vulnerable to trafficking. Additionally, adolescents are also significantly affected by this issue. In Sri Lanka, a notable trend is that many people fall victim to racketeering while using online banking services.
Due to the current situation, the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Forum has advised the public to use only the mobile phone applications provided by their respective banks. Recent fraud incidents have led to a misguided perception that the security numbers used for bank transactions are merely random digits.
Fraudsters have become increasingly sophisticated in their tactics. They closely mimic the processes involved in bank transactions. One common approach is to send messages to customers resembling communications from their banks. These messages may claim, “Your bank account has been hacked,” and include instructions urging the recipient to click on a link to prevent potential damages. Security experts emphasise that such links should be avoided.
The trend of using social media for smuggling
It has been discovered that traffickers post advertisements using bank logos on social media platforms like Facebook. They go to great lengths to mislead people by claiming they will give away gifts. It’s crucial not to fall for such propaganda—delete your bank details if you encounter these ads. Providing any personal information can lead to serious harm. Additionally, it’s essential to recognise that this racket operates more subtly and technically.
Weaknesses of financial institutions
Technical experts indicate that many banks and financial institutions are hesitant to inform the public until an incident occurs. Recognising this situation, they believe it is essential to regularly educate the public about online scams.
Online fraud is becoming more localised. Cyber frauds that were once primarily in English now use logos similar to those of local banks, along with fake websites and advertisements.
People often feel confused in such situations. The lack of official verification for the social media accounts of banks and financial companies in Sri Lanka has contributed to the rise of these crimes. Cybersecurity experts note that this presents an additional advantage for online financial fraudsters.
Recently, a group of Chinese nationals was arrested in connection with online fraud at a hotel in Kundasale, Kandy. The Chinese embassy has issued a statement expressing its concern over this incident.
The announcement stated that China will fully support Sri Lanka’s investigations. It also mentioned that these incidents have seriously damaged China’s image and the friendship between the two countries. The Ministry of Public Security of China is giving this matter full attention.
