The Police have issued an urgent warning to the public regarding a surge in advanced online financial scams and data thefts during the Sinhala and Hindu New Year celebrations.

As more people turn to the internet for holiday shopping and payments, cybercriminals are employing increasingly deceptive tactics to steal money and personal information.

According to reports received by police stations and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), many individuals have fallen prey to these scams due to economic hardships or the appeal of quick financial gains. 

The police pointed out that scammers are using a variety of methods, including fake social media advertisements, counterfeit "New Year Offers" and giveaways, and fraudulent banking websites or apps.

The police highlighted several technical techniques employed by scammers, such as QR code scams, email and SMS phishing, and caller ID spoofing. Many scammers create websites that mimic legitimate ones to trick users into revealing their private data, which is then exploited for identity theft and financial loss.

Additionally, scammers are now using images and names of high-ranking officials, including the President and Prime Minister, as well as celebrities, to build false trust and promote fraudulent schemes. These false endorsements are designed to lure victims into sharing their banking details.

In light of these threats, the Police strongly advised the public to stay vigilant and exercise caution when making online transactions. Citizens are urged to verify the authenticity of websites and offers before sharing any personal information to prevent falling victim to organized cybercrimes.