Sri Lanka Police have issued a warning about counterfeit GovPay websites and text messages impersonating law enforcement, which fraudsters are using to trick citizens into paying fake traffic fines.
Sri Lanka Police have cautioned the public about an ongoing fraud scheme involving fake GovPay payment platforms and impersonation SMS messages designed to steal money from unsuspecting users. According to Police, criminals have constructed fraudulent websites that closely mimic the government's legitimate GovPay payment system, primarily targeting motorists seeking to settle traffic violations.
In addition to the bogus websites, authorities have documented recent cases of fraudulent text messages sent in the name of Sri Lanka Police. These messages falsely notify recipients of speeding or other traffic offences and direct them to click links that allegedly lead to fine payment systems. The scammers typically request sensitive banking information or attempt to facilitate unauthorized transactions through these malicious links.
Police have clarified how legitimate traffic enforcement operates to help citizens distinguish official communications from fraud. When law enforcement detects a traffic violation, offenders receive either an on-the-spot ticket at the scene or face prosecution through formal court proceedings. Crucially, Police stated that even when violations are documented through surveillance camera technology, they do not contact motorists via SMS requesting bank details or directing them to external payment portals.
The authorities have advised the public to access GovPay services exclusively through verified banking and fintech applications rather than links received through unsolicited messages. Citizens who believe they have been targeted by such scams are encouraged to file formal complaints at their nearest police station to aid ongoing investigations into the fraud ring.
