Fraudsters are building trust through dating apps and social media before persuading victims to install malicious Android files and reveal sensitive financial information.
Sri Lanka Police have warned the public to be cautious when beginning relationships with people they meet through dating apps and social media, saying fraudsters are using fake romance and companionship offers to steal money and banking details.
In a public alert, police said complaints had recently emerged involving scammers who build trust over days or weeks by sending flattering messages before steering victims towards suspicious mobile applications. The schemes are not limited to dating platforms. Officers said criminals are also contacting users through Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram, sometimes posing as people offering online sexual services or personal relationships, then persuading targets to install an app.
Police said the downloads may in fact be malicious APK files, a type of Android application package that can be used to compromise a phone. Once installed, the software can capture login details for online banking and other financial accounts, allowing scammers to access usernames and passwords when victims make transactions. The warning also said the tactics are evolving quickly, with fraudsters increasingly exploiting emotional manipulation to pressure people into revealing personal information.
Authorities urged the public not to install apps from unfamiliar sources and not to share bank details, one-time passwords, passwords or other sensitive data with strangers. Police also cautioned against sending personal photographs or videos to unknown individuals, saying online relationships should be approached with care to protect both personal safety and financial security.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform and educate, not to recommend or endorse any financial product, investment or strategy. Please consider your own financial circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate before making financial decisions.
