The police have issued a warning to the public regarding a sophisticated scam involving fraudulent phone calls targeting employees of the Ceylon Traffic Board. Reports indicate that scammers have been reaching out to nine different depots across the island, falsely claiming that a manager, senior officer, or their family members are in a sudden crisis.
The callers typically state that the individual in distress has met with an accident or is facing an emergency, prompting the need for immediate financial assistance. They request the transfer of 10,000 rupees via the Ishikash system, purportedly to cover vehicle repair costs or other urgent expenses.
The police have received numerous complaints from various police stations, indicating that some individuals have indeed sent money in response to these fraudulent calls. The victims often express feelings of urgency and fear for their loved ones, which the scammers exploit to facilitate the transaction.
Investigations have revealed that the scammers may sometimes impersonate garage owners or even police officers who are supposedly on-site at the emergency. This creates an additional layer of credibility to their claims, further convincing victims to comply with their demands.
Upon examining the phone numbers used in these scams, authorities discovered that many are linked to SIM cards registered under deceased individuals or foreign nationals. This raises concerns about the organization behind the scheme, with police suspecting that many of the perpetrators could be drug addicts or individuals involved in drug trafficking. The systematic approach of the scammers suggests a well-coordinated operation aimed at exploiting vulnerable individuals.
In light of these developments, the police are urging the public to exercise caution. They recommend that anyone receiving such phone calls should not rush to transfer funds without verifying the situation. Individuals should contact the supposed victims directly or reach out to their families to confirm any claims made during these calls.
The police have emphasized the importance of being vigilant and aware of these deceptive tactics to prevent further victimization and financial loss. Additionally, they encourage anyone who has fallen prey to these scams to report the incidents immediately to their local police station.
