Sri Lankan authorities have warned the public of an elaborate fraud scheme in which criminals impersonate Central Bank and police officials to convince victims to transfer their savings and fixed deposits to fraudulent accounts.
Sri Lanka CERT has issued a public warning regarding a sophisticated scam targeting bank depositors across the country. The scheme involves fraudsters posing as officials from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) to deceive victims into surrendering their funds.
According to the agency, scammers initiate contact through mobile phones and social media platforms, claiming to have information about victims' savings and fixed deposit accounts. They then falsely allege that complaints have been filed suggesting the money was obtained fraudulently, threatening victims with official investigations. To appear legitimate, the fraudsters send forged letters bearing fake Central Bank letterheads, counterfeit official signatures, and rubber stamps.
The scam operates by instructing victims to transfer their money to designated accounts at private banks, which the fraudsters claim belong to FCID officers. Victims are typically asked to transfer half their deposits initially, after which they are requested to provide bank deposit slips as payment proof. Sri Lanka CERT reports that those operating the scheme have equipped themselves with police uniforms, bank identification cards, and other materials to enhance their credibility.
The agency has urged heightened vigilance among the public, noting that retirees and elderly individuals may be particularly susceptible to the scheme. Authorities recommend that family members make their elderly relatives aware of the scam and advise them to avoid responding to unsolicited requests for financial information or money transfers.
