Authorities have warned of an increasing number of extortion scams operating through social media platforms, where criminals coerce victims into paying money by threatening to publicly release intimate content.

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team has issued a public alert regarding coordinated extortion schemes being conducted via WhatsApp and Messenger, according to Information Security Engineer Charuka Damunupola. The scams typically involve fraudsters manipulating victims into sharing sensitive photographs or videos before leveraging this material as blackmail to extract financial payments.

The modus operandi relies on social engineering tactics, with perpetrators threatening to distribute compromising content across social media platforms unless demands are met. Damunupola cautioned the public against engaging with unsolicited messages or requests originating from unknown contacts, emphasizing prevention as the primary defence against such schemes.

For those who have already fallen victim to extortion attempts, authorities recommend immediate reporting to the nearest police station. The warning reflects growing concerns about the misuse of social media platforms for criminal purposes in Sri Lanka, with cybercriminals exploiting the anonymity and reach offered by digital communication channels.