The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) has received numerous complaints regarding an ongoing financial fraud operation. The scam involves uploading fake videos to the internet, created using AI technology that mimics the likeness of prominent figures in society, including the President and the Prime Minister.

These fraudulent videos have been deceptively crafted using the images and voices of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, famous athletes, and other notable personalities. According to the complaints, a coordinated effort is underway to swindle money from the public using these Deepfake videos.

The Mechanics of the Scam

Sri Lanka CERT urges the public to remain highly vigilant regarding these deepfake videos, which depict the President, the Prime Minister, and other VIPs seemingly urging people to invest money to earn monthly returns. The agency noted that these creations are also disguised as fake news updates concerning:

• Lucrative investment opportunities

• Job openings

• National economic updates and tax policies

Risks and Methods Used

CERT further stated that these fake videos are being widely circulated across the internet. The accompanying messages entice users to click on a provided link to invest money and claim profits.

By clicking these links, internet users are redirected to fraudulent websites, where scammers have successfully stolen both personal data and money in several instances.

Safety Advisory from Sri Lanka CERT

In light of this situation, Sri Lanka CERT strongly advises the public to be extremely cautious regarding such manipulative videos found online. The agency further urges citizens not to click on these links, to avoid handing over their valuable personal data to scammers, and to protect themselves from falling victim to such fake news and financial fraud.