Issuing a statement, the Sri Lanka CERT stated that these scams promise donations, cash gifts, lucky draws, and job insurance, using the names of legitimate entities.

“Cyber criminals attempt to contact individuals through fake websites, social media platforms, SMS, and WhatsApp. By accessing the links provided in these messages, they can steal data from computers and mobile phones, leading to various forms of abuse and financial fraud”, it added.

The Sri Lanka CERT reports that these types of crimes have been increasing recently, with a growing number of victims. Fraudsters often operate around national and religious festivals, exploiting the public’s trust during these times, warned SL CERT.