News
Six fake QR code sites shut down; public warned
View(s):By S. Rubatheesan
At least six fraudulent websites posing as “National Fuel Pass” platforms have been taken down after being flagged for stealing personal and vehicle registration data to obtain QR codes, according to the national cybersecurity agency.
Nirosh Ananda, Chief Information Security Engineer at the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT), told the Sunday Times that these deceptive links were circulated widely on social media and messaging apps to harvest personal information and vehicle details for fuel QR codes.
“We don’t know how much data these platforms collected from the public once the national fuel pass system was introduced, but we acted immediately to remove them once they were brought to our attention,” Mr Ananda said.
Some of the fake sites used URLs resembling the official National Fuel Pass platform, making them appear credible to unsuspecting users.
SLCERT has warned the public to avoid scanning or clicking on suspicious websites, links shared via messaging apps, or sources on social media claiming to provide access to QR code-generating platforms.
Meanwhile, Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake said those who attempted to generate QR codes fraudulently—by creating fake profiles or manipulating existing ones on the national fuel platform—would be prosecuted under computer crimes laws.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!