May 27, Colombo: Sri Lanka police warned the general public to be careful when using the on-line services, especially for banking services as the number of cybercrimes are rising.

Addressing a media briefing Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohan advised the public to be more vigilant when using internet, especially for e-banking services and web-based transactions.

He advised the people to use a separate SIM card or a special line for web based transactions always verify the authenticity of the website.

He said the public should use the real website of banks when e-banking and avoid various other links which come via emails claiming to be the website of their bank.

"There are emails asking information such as account details and passwords of credit and debit cards. Don't reply to these emails. Use the official website of the bank," SSP Rohana said.

He said the public should not use their personal phone number when using online transactions and advised to keep a separate SIM for e-transactions.

According to the spokesman the special unit established at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to look into cybercrimes had received 9 complaints on e-banking and 34 complaints regarding email hackings. Another 235 complaints have been received on social media crimes.