Business · Sri Lanka Bureau
SLCERT alerts public to fraudulent bank reward scheme ahead of Vap Poya
Sri Lanka's computer security authority has issued a warning about a deceptive social media campaign impersonating a major local bank and offering fake holiday rewards. The scam is circulating as the country prepares to observe Vap Poya Day.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has cautioned residents against a fraudulent scheme spreading via social media platforms that falsely claims a leading Sri Lankan bank is distributing special gifts and rewards to commemorate Vap Poya Day.
According to SLCERT's advisory, the fraudulent messages purport to be from the bank and encourage recipients to click malicious links or provide personal financial information to claim the purported rewards. The scam exploits the festive period surrounding the religious observance to lend credibility to the false claims.
SLCERT has advised the public to exercise caution when encountering unsolicited messages offering prizes or special offers, particularly those requesting personal data or directing users to unfamiliar websites. The authority recommends verifying any such offers directly with the bank through official channels before responding or clicking links.
Citizens who encounter the fraudulent messages are encouraged to report them to SLCERT and the relevant social media platforms. The warning comes as cybercriminals increasingly target users during holiday periods when vigilance may be reduced.