Sri Lanka Police have warned sellers and service providers about scams in which fake payment receipts, made with artificial intelligence (AI) or editing tools, are used to get goods or services without paying.
According to a police notice, scammers agree to buy goods or services, then send a receipt through WhatsApp or Messenger saying the payment has been deposited.
The receipts can look genuine, with an account number, transaction time, name and payment amount that appear correct.
Police said the scammers then press the seller to hand over the goods or provide the service before the money has been checked in their account.
For small traders and online sellers, releasing an order on the strength of a screenshot can mean losing both the goods and the money.
Police urged the public to confirm that payment has reached their account before releasing goods or providing services.
