Facebook abuse on the rise

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

A spokesman for Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team (SLCERT) said they have received over 350 complaints within the past five months regarding various illegal acts carried out by persons using the social networking website, Facebook.

The majority of complaints are regarding fake Facebook accounts. Fake Facebook accounts are made by persons while using others' information without their knowledge. It has become a threat to society, he said.

SLCERT had deactivated most fake Facebook accounts after clarifying the identification of those persons, the spokesman said. Complaints are also made regarding the hacking of passwords. Some tend to hack others passwords and try to get a ransom, he said. All measures have been taken to cancel these fake accounts, the spokesman said.

Complaints can be made to the Criminal Investigation Department, he said

Complaints have also been received of scams and frauds carried out with the use of the Facebook website.