Public Warned Over Sophisticated WhatsApp Financial Scam Using Department of Registration Identity

25-Jun-2026

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has issued a public warning regarding a highly sophisticated financial scam being carried out via WhatsApp using the identity of the Department for Registration of Persons.

In a statement, SLCERT said the scam is designed to appear highly legitimate and official, making it easy for unsuspecting individuals to fall victim.

Fraudsters reportedly send WhatsApp messages that closely resemble official communications from the Department, complete with official telephone numbers, email addresses and references to instructions purportedly issued by the Commissioner General.

The messages inform recipients that they have been officially summoned to verify or update their National Identity Card (NIC) details under the relevant legislation.

To enhance credibility, the messages often contain the recipient's full name, NIC number and address, along with details of the date, time and venue of the supposed appointment and a list of documents to be brought.

The scam also includes a warning that failure to attend the verification process may result in the temporary suspension of services linked to the NIC.

Recipients are advised to contact specified telephone numbers if they wish to reschedule the appointment.

Many victims, fearing disruption to their identity card services, immediately contact the numbers provided. Fraudsters then obtain sensitive information, including One-Time Passwords (OTPs), under the pretext of completing verification procedures and subsequently gain access to victims' bank accounts.

SLCERT emphasised that the Department for Registration of Persons never conducts verification exercises through WhatsApp.

The public has therefore been urged not to click on suspicious links, contact unknown numbers provided in such messages, or disclose confidential banking information and OTP codes to any individual or organisation.