Last updated on June 18, 2025

AI‐powered scams are spreading fast in Sri Lanka.

Have you seen a video of a celebrity telling you to invest money?

Or received a phone call from someone who sounds like your cousin asking for money?

Be careful — it might not be real!

They’re AI-powered scams 👀

Deepfake videos, voice cloning, and fake messages are designed to trick you.

What are AI scams?

Scammers now use artificial intelligence (AI) to:

  •  🎙️ Fake voice calls — using AI to mimic (copy) your loved one’s voice.
  • 🎥 Deepfake videos — showing public figures promoting fake products or scams.
  • ▶️ Watch this deepfake example
  • 💬 Fake messages — pretending to be your friends, family, or even your bank.
  •  💼 Fake job or investment offers — using chatbots and fraudulent websites.

✅ How to Stay Safe

  • Verify before you trust – Don’t send money or share personal details, even if the voice or video seems real.
  • Avoid clicking unknown links – In messages, emails, or apps.
  • Check official sources – Like Hithawathi or Sri Lanka CERT for scam alerts.
  • Never share OTPs (One-Time Passwords) – Many scams use OTPs to steal your money or data.
  • Use strong passwords & enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) – To protect your accounts.
  • Talk to your family – Especially elders and teens, who are more likely to be tricked.

🔒 If it feels too real, too fast, or too good to be true…

Pause. Verify. Stay safe.
Let’s protect ourselves and our loved ones from AI scams.

Online Safety Awareness Resources:

Hithawathi (https://www.hithawathi.lk)
Sri Lanka CERT (https://www.cert.gov.lk)

Sources:

https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/03/30/ai-scams-what-you-need-to-know-to-stay-safe/
https://caniphish.com/blog/ai-scams