By The Pulseline News Desk
The Welfare Benefits Board has issued a strong public warning following reports that fraudsters are targeting Aswesuma beneficiaries across Sri Lanka by posing as officials attached to the Board’s head office.
According to the Board, the scammers contact beneficiaries by telephone, claiming to be conducting official verification or processing activities. During these calls, they request sensitive personal information and, in some cases, demand money payments, falsely claiming that fees are required to process benefits or complete administrative procedures.
The Welfare Benefits Board has categorically denied any involvement in these activities, stressing that the calls are being made without its knowledge or authorisation. The Board emphasised that it does not charge beneficiaries any fees for Aswesuma-related services and urged the public to treat any such requests as fraudulent.
Officials have advised beneficiaries to remain alert and avoid sharing personal details, banking information, passwords, or one-time verification codes with unknown callers. Members of the public have also been warned not to make payments to anyone claiming to represent the Board over the phone.
Individuals who have received suspicious calls are encouraged to report the incidents immediately to their respective Divisional Secretariat Office or the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the police in their area. Prompt reporting, the Board noted, will help authorities identify those responsible and prevent further victims from being deceived.
The Welfare Benefits Board reaffirmed that protecting beneficiaries from fraud and exploitation remains a key priority. It also reminded the public that all official Aswesuma services are provided free of charge through authorised government channels.
Authorities continue to urge beneficiaries to exercise caution and verify any communication claiming to be from the Welfare Benefits Board before providing personal information or making any financial transactions.
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