More than 360 incidents related to online financial fraud have been reported during the past month, according to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT).
Lead Information Security Engineer Charuka Damunupola urged the public to exercise greater caution when conducting online financial transactions, warning of a rise in cyber-related scams.
According to Damunupola, cybercriminals intensified their activities during the recent festive season, including the Vesak and Poson periods, by using fake advertisements impersonating popular brands and businesses to deceive consumers.
“Throughout the past month, we have received reports related to fraudulent advertisements used to collect personal information and incidents involving the theft of credit card details,” he said.
SLCERT has advised the public to ensure that online payments are made only through official and verified websites.
Authorities also warned internet users against providing personal or financial information through links received via text messages, social media messages, or other unsolicited communications.
The agency further emphasized the importance of checking website authenticity before entering sensitive details or completing transactions online, as cybercriminals continue to adopt increasingly sophisticated methods to target consumers.
