Police Warn of Fake GovPay Websites Spread by SMS and WhatsApp
A look-alike GovPay site is being shared through SMS and WhatsApp links. How the scam works and how to pay fines and fees safely.
Sri Lanka Police have warned the public about a fake website made to look like GovPay, the government’s online payment platform. According to the Daily News, links to the look-alike site are being sent to people through SMS and WhatsApp messages.
How the scam works
The message usually claims there is a pending fine or fee and includes a link. The fake page copies GovPay’s look, asks for details such as a vehicle number, and then asks for card details to “settle” the payment. Anything entered goes straight to the criminals. The Ministry of Digital Economy had earlier published a scam alert describing fake sites that request vehicle and card details.
DIG W.P.J. Senadheera of the Traffic Control and Road Safety Range said police do not send people to alternative websites or links for payments.
Warning signs
- An unexpected message with a link, especially one that creates urgency (“pay today to avoid legal action”).
- A web address that is slightly different from the official one, or uses a link shortener.
- A request for your full card number, expiry date and CVV on a page you reached from a message.
How to pay safely
Type the official address yourself or use a trusted banking or payment app, rather than tapping links in messages. If you entered card details on a suspicious page, call your bank immediately to block the card, then report the incident to the police.
Businesses can reduce the risk for staff with short phishing awareness sessions and email and web filtering. Our cybersecurity services include both. Questions? Call +94 72 299 9915 or info@eudora.lk.
Source: Daily News, 8 September 2026; Ministry of Digital Economy scam alert.
Eudora Technology is a Kandy-based team working on CCTV, networks, IT support, cloud and websites for homes and businesses across Sri Lanka.
