Sri Lankan authorities have issued a warning about an organized online fraud targeting buyers of building materials, where scammers pose as legitimate sellers on social media platforms.

The Police Headquarters has alerted the public to a growing scam involving the fraudulent online sale of construction materials through social media channels. According to police statements, individuals are using social platforms to advertise items such as asbestos roofing sheets and cement at prices substantially below market value in order to attract potential buyers.

The scam operates through a coordinated scheme. When customers place orders based on the artificially low prices, the fraudsters contact legitimate building materials dealers in the customer's locality. They then arrange for the goods to be delivered to the customer's address while routing the payment to the dealer's bank account. This arrangement creates an appearance of legitimacy that helps the scammers evade detection.

The deception is exposed only when delivery occurs. The delivery driver requests payment from the customer upon arrival, at which point the buyer realizes they have been defrauded. The Police Headquarters indicated that multiple complaints matching this pattern have been filed, prompting the formal warning to the general public.

Authorities have advised consumers to exercise considerable caution when purchasing construction materials online, particularly when prices appear unusually attractive. Police recommend verifying the identity of sellers and confirming the authenticity of advertisements before committing to any purchases or making payments. Special vigilance is urged when goods are offered at prices significantly lower than typical market rates.