CERT warns of scam using fake Central Bank, police letters to steal deposits

Sri Lanka CERT has warned the public of a sophisticated fraud scheme in which scammers impersonate officials of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) to trick victims into transferring money from their bank accounts.

CERT said it had received complaints about the scam, in which fraudsters initially contact victims by telephone or through social media and ask about money held in their savings and fixed deposit accounts.

The scammers claim to have information about the victims’ bank deposits and allege that complaints have been received that the funds were obtained through fraudulent means. They then threaten victims with an investigation by the FCID.

The fraudsters subsequently send forged letters bearing fake Central Bank letterheads, purported officials’ signatures and rubber stamps to make the claims appear legitimate and create fear among victims.

The victims are then instructed to transfer money to a specified account at a private bank, which the scammers falsely claim belongs to an FCID officer. They initially demand that half of the victim’s deposits be transferred to the account.

After the transfer is made, victims are asked to provide the bank deposit slip as proof of payment. They are also instructed to obtain a letter purportedly requesting that the money be returned to their original bank account after the completion of the alleged investigation.

CERT said the perpetrators operated in a highly sophisticated manner and reportedly possessed police uniforms, bank identification cards and rubber stamps, which they used to lend credibility to the scam.

The cyber security agency urged the public to remain vigilant and not disclose financial information or transfer money in response to such requests.

It particularly urged the public to alert retired and elderly persons, who may be more vulnerable to the scheme, and advise them not to respond to suspicious calls, messages or requests for money.