Public warned against digital identity card scam

The Department for Registration of Persons warned the public against fraudulent individuals misusing its name to obtain personal information and carry out financial scams under the guise of registering citizens for digital identity cards.

A public notice issued by the department stated that reports emerged of individuals contacting members of the public through telephone numbers resembling its official hotline, claiming to conduct registrations for digital identity cards or electronic national identity cards (e-NICs).

Fraudsters use telephone numbers including +94 11 5226126, 011 5226126, 0771167739 and 0742756098 whilst falsely representing themselves as officials.

Individuals behind the scam reportedly created a mobile application using the State emblem and request personal information from the public under the pretence that it is required for digital ID registration.

The Department for Registration of Persons also warned the public not to provide personal information through the website identified as “https://drpgov-lk[.]com”, which it described as a fraudulent platform designed to resemble the official website.

The department urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown callers or websites claiming to represent the institution.

No registrations are currently underway for digital identity cards or electronic national identity cards, and the public is advised to take precautions against these fraudulent activities.