Saturday Jun 06, 2026
Saturday Jun 06, 2026
Saturday, 6 June 2026 00:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Alerts public against fake AI-generated videos featuring President and Prime Minister
The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned the public about a rise in artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfake videos being used to promote financial scams, as cyber-related financial fraud complaints reached 360 so far this year.
In a statement, the SLCERT said fake videos featuring President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and several other prominent individuals are being circulated online to mislead the public into investing money in fraudulent schemes that promise unrealistic returns.
The agency said the deceptive content also misuses images and identities of sports personalities and other well-known figures in an attempt to lend credibility to the scams.
According to the SLCERT, similar AI-generated material has also been used to spread false information relating to employment opportunities, economic matters, and tax policies.
The agency warned that many of the videos contain links directing users to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal information and money. It urged the public not to click on suspicious links, disclose personal information, or make payments based on information contained in such videos.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over cyber-enabled financial crimes. The agency had received 360 complaints relating to cyber-related financial fraud so far this year.
Of the reported incidents, 14 involved children, highlighting the increasing exposure of minors to online scams and digital threats.
The SLCERT had also recorded 40 complaints relating to hacked WhatsApp accounts, reflecting a growing trend of social media-based cyber attacks targeting users.
