Sri Lanka Police has urged the public to exercise extreme caution when interacting with unfamiliar individuals through online platforms, particularly dating applications, as reports of financial fraud linked to such interactions continue to emerge.
In a statement, the Police Media Division said that, in many reported cases, fraudsters establish contact with victims through online platforms, claiming to seek friendship, romantic relationships, or marriage. They often engage with their targets over short or extended periods, using persuasive messages and deceptive tactics to gain their trust before exploiting them financially.
In some instances, scammers initiate contact through social media and messaging platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram, offering sexual services or companionship, it said. They subsequently persuade or pressure victims into downloading and installing unfamiliar mobile applications, often presented as dating applications.
These applications may contain malicious software capable of compromising the security of victims’ mobile phones and obtaining sensitive information, the statement said. Once installed, such software may enable fraudsters to monitor online activities, capture login credentials, and gain unauthorised access to financial accounts. The criminals can then exploit this information to conduct fraudulent transactions and unlawfully withdraw funds from victims’ bank accounts.
Of particular concern is the growing use of malicious Android application package (APK) files disguised as dating applications, the Police Media Division said. These applications may promise romantic relationships, companionship, or face-to-face meetings but are designed to compromise mobile phone security and facilitate financial theft.
As methods of online fraud continue to evolve, the public is strongly advised to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions when interacting with strangers online, the statement said.
The public is particularly advised to:
Avoid downloading or installing unfamiliar applications, particularly those received through links shared by strangers on social media or messaging platforms.
Never disclose sensitive financial information, including bank account details, usernames, passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs), or one-time passwords (OTPs), to unknown individuals.
Do not share personal photos or videos with strangers, as they may be misused for blackmail, impersonation, or other fraud.
Verify the identity and intentions of people they meet online before trusting them or engaging in financial transactions.
Never make online payments or transfer money at the request of unverified individuals, regardless of the relationship they claim to have with them.
Remain alert to suspicious links, applications, and requests that appear designed to create urgency, exploit emotions, or obtain personal information.
If a person suspects that they have installed a malicious application or that their financial information has been compromised, they should contact their bank immediately, take steps to secure their accounts, and report the incident to the Police, the statement said.
In an increasingly digital world, protecting personal information and financial assets requires constant vigilance and sound judgment, the Police Media Division said.
The public is therefore urged to exercise particular care when forming relationships through online platforms and to remain alert to attempts by criminals to exploit trust for financial gain.
