Romance Scams Rising: Your Photos and Videos Can Be Used Against You

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police have issued a strong nationwide warning over a rising trend of fraudulent relationships and online deception targeting women, as authorities highlight a sharp increase in cases involving social media scams, financial exploitation, and serious criminal offences.

The Police Media Division revealed that numerous incidents have been reported from across the country in recent years, where women have been targeted through social media platforms and other communication channels. These scams have resulted in severe consequences, including sexual abuse, financial fraud, and the theft of personal property, raising alarm over the growing misuse of digital platforms.

Police further disclosed disturbing patterns in which victims were tricked into consuming food or beverages laced with intoxicating substances, leaving them unconscious and vulnerable to sexual assault and robbery.

Investigators have also uncovered cases where fraudsters systematically built trust with victims by promising marriage, only to manipulate and deceive them into handing over money, jewellery, and other valuable assets.

Authorities emphasized that some of these incidents have escalated into grave crimes, including murder. This surge in online romance scams and fraudulent interactions has become a critical public safety concern, particularly for women who are increasingly targeted through digital platforms.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has expressed serious concern over the increasing frequency and severity of these crimes. In response, directives have been issued to all police units nationwide to intensify surveillance and prevention efforts. Officers have been instructed to gather intelligence, monitor suspicious behaviour, and work in coordination with Community Police Committees, intelligence units, and civil informants to identify and neutralize potential threats before they escalate.

Sri Lanka Police have also issued clear safety guidelines aimed at protecting the public from falling victim to online fraud and exploitation.

Citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution when interacting with strangers, particularly those encountered through social media or digital communication platforms. Authorities warned against placing trust in unknown individuals or providing them with money, valuables, or personal information under any circumstances.

The public has been strongly advised not to share sensitive personal content such as photographs, videos, or private details with suspicious contacts. Police stressed that critical information, including National Identity Card numbers, bank account details, residential addresses, and passwords, must never be disclosed to individuals who are not verified or trusted.

Additionally, authorities cautioned against accepting invitations for meetings, financial dealings, or other arrangements initiated through unknown phone calls, text messages, or online communication, noting that such approaches are commonly linked to organised fraud networks and criminal schemes.

Police have urged anyone who suspects they or someone they know may be a victim of such fraud, abuse, or exploitation to immediately report the matter to the nearest police station or the Children and Women Bureau. Emergency response and support services remain available through hotlines 118, 119, 107, and 109 for rapid intervention.

Reinforcing the urgency of the warning, Sri Lanka Police called on the public to remain vigilant in both online and offline interactions, emphasizing that awareness and precaution are key to preventing these crimes. Authorities stressed that safeguarding personal safety, dignity, and property must remain a top priority as criminals increasingly exploit digital platforms to carry out sophisticated and harmful schemes.