The Prime Minister’s Office has strongly condemned fraudulent cryptocurrency scam advertisements circulating on Facebook and Instagram, which falsely use the image of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and other prominent Sri Lankan figures.
These deceptive ads, operated by foreign entities, aim to mislead the public and exploit the trust associated with well-known personalities.
Investigations have revealed that the scam campaigns originate from fraudulent accounts based in Lithuania and specifically target Facebook users in Sri Lanka.
Similar advertisements have previously featured Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Minister of Science and Technology MP Chrishantha Abeysena, and well-known journalists Amantha Perera and Sunanda Deshapriya, among others.
Public Advisory
Citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution when encountering online advertisements promoting cryptocurrency investments, especially those falsely claiming endorsements from government officials and public figures. No government official or ministry has endorsed any cryptocurrency investment scheme.
Despite ongoing reports and removal requests, variations of these scams continue to appear on social media, raising concerns about Facebook’s inability to effectively prevent fraudulent advertising.
The Prime Minister’s Office calls on Meta (Facebook’s parent company) to take immediate action to curb these deceptive campaigns and protect Sri Lankan users from financial fraud.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Avoid engaging with or clicking on suspicious ads claiming endorsements from public figures.
- Report fraudulent advertisements directly on Facebook and Instagram.
- Verify all financial opportunities through legitimate sources before investing.
The Prime Minister’s Office remains committed to protecting the public from online fraud and will continue working with relevant authorities to combat this growing issue. It also urges media organizations and digital platforms to act responsibly in preventing the spread of misinformation and scams.
For official government updates, visit the Prime Minister’s Office’s official website and social media channels.
