Police warning urges women to beware of online lovers, fraudsters and strangers using social media to abuse, deceive and steal property.
Police warning has been issued after several incidents were reported across Sri Lanka involving women being deceived, abused and robbed through social media.
In recent times, incidents have been reported from various parts of the island where women were targeted through social media and other communication platforms.
According to Police, suspects have deceived women, subjected them to sexual abuse and obtained their money, jewellery and other property.
Police have also observed incidents where women were drugged or rendered unconscious after being made to consume different types of food and beverages.
In several cases, fraudulent individuals had gained the trust of women by promising marriage and later obtained money and property from them.
Police said some of these unfortunate incidents had even ended in homicide.
As these cases of women being deceived and misled have come to the serious attention of the Inspector General of Police, all police stations across the island have now been instructed to act.
Police stations have been informed to collect information on possible suspects through Public Security Committees, intelligence channels and civil officials.
They have also been directed to take necessary steps to protect the public from such fraudulent activities.
Safety Advice From Police
Police have urged the public not to trust unknown individuals or people met through the internet or social media.
They also advised the public not to hand over money, jewellery or other valuable property to such individuals.
Police further warned people never to share sensitive or intimate photographs and videos with unknown or suspicious persons.
The public has also been advised not to provide National Identity Card numbers, bank account numbers, personal addresses or other private information to strangers.
Police urged people to reject invitations for any transaction or meeting arranged through suspicious phone calls or messages.
Anyone who feels that they, or someone they know, has been subjected to such abuse or fraud should immediately lodge a complaint at the nearest police station or the Children’s and Women’s Affairs Division.
The public can also promptly inform Police through the emergency numbers 118, 119, 107 and 109.
The Sri Lanka Police has requested the public to remain constantly vigilant to avoid falling prey to fraudulent deception and traps.
Police also urged citizens to take necessary precautions to protect their personal safety, dignity and security.
Police Media Division.
