Rising Trend of Fraudulent WhatsApp Groups and Telegram Accounts in Sri Lanka

In recent months, Sri Lanka has seen a concerning rise in fraudulent WhatsApp groups and Telegram accounts presenting as affiliates of Prime One Global. These groups falsely claim to be part of Prime One’s digital marketing teams, aiming to deceive and exploit unsuspecting users.

False Claims of Affiliation

These scammers misuse the reputable brand name and logo of Prime One Global to lure individuals into WhatsApp Task Scams under the pretence of offering “extra income.” The groups falsely claim themselves as “Digital Marketing Teams” associated with Prime One Global.

Official Denial from Prime One Global

Prime One Global has explicitly stated that it has no connection with these fraudulent groups. On their official social media platforms, the company warned that these groups are unauthorized and are using their brand name illegitimately.  “It has been brought to our attention that these WhatsApp Groups and Telegram accounts claiming to represent Prime One Global are engaging in the unauthorized use of our brand name, logo, and identity to perform WhatsApp Task Scams activities and circulate false information like offering ‘extra income,'” stated the company.

Proactive Measures by Prime One Global

To combat these scams, Prime One Global has taken several proactive steps:

• Public Warnings: They have circulated e-flyers on their official website, community forum, and social media platforms, urging the public to be cautious and vigilant online.
• Legal Action: The company has filed complaints with TechCERT and  TELL IGP, citing unauthorized use of their brand name and logo, which violates intellectual property rights.

Protection Measures for Users:

To safeguard against these scams, users should:

1) Exercise Caution Online:

• Do not click on invitation links from unknown sources.
• Verify information from official sources before taking any action.
• Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information with unknown entities.

2) Report about Scammers and Frauds on WhatsApp

Users can report about scammers and frauds on WhatsApp by following these steps:

• Open the WhatsApp chat or group where the scam or fraud occurred.
• Tap and hold on to the message or contact that you want to report.
• Tap on the “Report” option that appears in the menu.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to provide additional details about the scam or fraud.

3) Adjust WhatsApp Group Settings:

• Open WhatsApp and go to “Settings.”
• Tap “Account,” then “Privacy.”
• Select “Groups.”
• Choose “My Contacts” or “My Contacts Except” to control who can add you to groups.

Conclusion

The surge of fraudulent WhatsApp groups and Telegram accounts in Sri Lanka is a serious issue. Users must stay vigilant, heed warnings from reputable sources, and avoid engaging with suspicious entities. By being informed and cautious, individuals can protect themselves from falling prey to online scams. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it likely is.