The Sri Lanka Police have warned the public about fake messages impersonating official traffic violation notices circulating on social media and digital platforms, urging citizens to exercise caution against phishing and online scams.
The Sri Lanka Police have issued a public warning regarding the circulation of counterfeit messages that falsely claim to be official notifications about traffic offences such as speed limit violations. According to the police, these deceptive communications are being distributed through social media platforms and other digital channels, prompting authorities to take action in response to complaints received through the Expressway Division's Interchange Unit.
The fraudulent messages pose a significant cybersecurity threat, potentially targeting recipients through phishing schemes and financial scams. The police have advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links received through SMS, email, or messaging applications, particularly those containing unfamiliar internet addresses. Citizens are encouraged to verify the authenticity of website addresses and sender identities before responding to any communications.
To protect themselves, the public should refrain from sharing sensitive information such as bank account details, one-time passwords, personal identification numbers, or passwords through unverified links. The police recommend verifying any official information exclusively through authorized channels, including official Sri Lanka Police media outlets and legitimate government websites. Additionally, individuals are urged to keep mobile devices and software applications updated regularly to mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
The authorities have also recommended that suspicious messages and fraudulent websites be reported to relevant authorities promptly. The police emphasized exercising particular caution when receiving messages that create urgency, threaten legal consequences, or demand immediate payment, noting that this is a recurring issue for which previous public advisories have been issued.
