COLOMBO – More people are falling prey to financial scams conducted through social media apps, including WhatsApp, Sri Lanka’s Information Department said, urging the public to be alert.
Incidents of WhatsApp accounts being hacked have been reported, with messages then sent to those in the contacts list asking for money, the statement said.
There have also been incidents reported of fake websites posing as those of various established banks, government or non-government organizations, and business organizations, fraudulently obtaining money.
According to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT), criminals gain the necessary technical access for their financial frauds by asking users to provide a PIN, OTP or password.
CERT warned against forwarding any code, PIN, OTP, or password received via phone and social media to an external party.
CERT recommends adding security measures such as two-factor authentication features to social media apps and verifying the source of messages.
Those faced with any kind of cyber scam are urged to immediately file a complaint with the Computer Crimes Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department, or forward the relevant complaint to dir.ccid@police.gov.lk.
-economynext.com
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