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Police warn of online scam involving Chinese, Nigerians

17 Sep, 2020

The public have been cautioned of an online scam operated by Nigerians and Chinese nationals.

The Police have received 101 complaints with regard to the scam through which nearly Rs. 68 million is suspected to have been defrauded from Sri Lankans.

Under the scam, Sri Lankans are contacted via email or social media informing them of gifts or lotteries won overseas and are requested to make an advance payment for customs clearance or as delivery charges.

The Police said usually the public are lured under the guise of winning a lottery or visa to the US or Canada.

Individuals are befriended by the suspects on Facebook and are requested to provide details of their bank accounts and credit card details, they explained.

Four Nigerians and a group of Chinese nationals have already been arrested in Sri Lanka over the online scam, while investigations have identified another group also involved in the scam.

The Police have requested the public to remain vigilant of such scams and to refrain from providing personal details to strangers. (Colombo Gazette)

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