The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has released shocking information regarding a massive financial fraud allegedly carried out using the name of SriLankan Airlines, the national airline of Sri Lanka. It has been reported that there have been activities of stealing personal information and bank account details of the public using the belief that they can get air tickets at discounted prices.
Fraudsters have created a fake mobile phone app using SriLankan Airlines’ name, its trademark and the peacock logo. It is said that users may have been scammed because it looked like the official app of a real airline.
It has been reported that the information related to the incident was presented to the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court by the officers of the Criminal Investigation Department. As investigations into the incident continue, the need for the public to be more vigilant while using e-money transactions and apps has been reiterated.
Fraud perpetrated on the pretense of a 50 percent discount
Fraudsters are reported to have advertised a 50 percent discount or a refund for those who purchased airline tickets. Such offers have been used to target the general public who want to reduce their air travel costs.
Reports also suggest that the fake app charges an initial registration fee of Rs 250. People who used the app expecting to pay a small amount and get more benefits may not have realized that their personal information was at risk later.
According to the Crime Investigation Department, the fraudsters have stolen the information provided while registering on the app and the confidential information related to the bank account. After this, large sums of money were allegedly withdrawn from the bank accounts of the account holders without their consent.
Some victims of this scam have noticed that their mobile phones get unusually hot and the battery drains quickly. However, such indications alone cannot be considered conclusive evidence of fraud. If a suspicious app is installed, it is important to contact the bank and relevant authorities immediately.
It is also reported that some people believed to be involved in the incident have been arrested by the police on charges of allowing their bank accounts to be used for fraudulent transactions. Investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest key individuals suspected of creating and operating the fake app.
Public comments and warnings about cyber security
A major concern among the public regarding such scams is how easy it has become to dupe people using the names of trusted companies. Especially when logos of popular companies and designs similar to official websites are used, it may be difficult for some to distinguish between a genuine service and a fake service.
Such incidents emphasize the importance of being aware of the increasing number of promotional offers, messages urging immediate payment and unfamiliar web links circulating on social media. In particular, it is necessary to raise awareness among the family so that the elderly and those with less experience in internet usage do not become targets of such scams.
Public should only use SriLankan Airlines official website or confirmed contact channels before purchasing flight tickets. Avoid downloading suspicious apps that are available through text messages, WhatsApp messages or social media ads. Similarly, bank passwords, one-time security codes (OTP) and confidential details of cards should not be shared with anyone.
Anyone who becomes aware of suspicious transactions in their bank account should immediately contact the bank and take steps to secure the account. Complaints should also be made to the police when necessary.
This alleged scam using the name of Sri Lankan Airlines highlights the importance of caution when using e-commerce services. It is important to identify and bring criminals to justice and raise awareness of the public to protect their money and personal information. It is important to distinguish information related to allegations from confirmed facts until the final results of the investigations are released.