The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team has issued a warning about a growing financial scam targeting users through video calls on WhatsApp.
According to SLCERT, the scam is reportedly being operated from India and involves social engineering tactics to blackmail victims.
Investigations reveal that scammers first access individuals via fake social media profiles—often using Facebook—and then initiate contact through WhatsApp video calls.
During these calls, victims are manipulated into compromising situations, which are secretly recorded. The perpetrators then threaten to share the footage with the victim’s contacts unless money is paid, typically requesting transfers to foreign bank accounts.
SLCERT has urged the public to remain cautious of unknown contacts and avoid engaging in suspicious video calls or sharing personal information online.
Authorities also advise victims not to comply with payment demands and to immediately report such incidents to the nearest police station for investigation and assistance.
