Check a number before you pay or lend
Someone asked you to send money. Check their number first. It is free and takes 10 seconds. You do not need an account.
What you can check
- A mobile number — the one they called or messaged you from.
- A bank account number — the one they told you to pay into.
- A person's ID number, if you are lending money.
Type it however you have it. +94 77 000 0000 and 077 000 0000 are the same number to us. Copy it straight from WhatsApp if that is easier.
If the number is on the list
Someone has reported it. You will see what they said and how many people reported it. Stop and think before you send anything.
You will only see part of the number, like 077 ▪▪▪▪ 21. That is enough to know it is the same number you were given.
If the number is not on the list
This does not mean the person is safe.
It only means nobody has told us about them yet. A new cheat has no history here. Most people never report what happened to them.
Check these too, before you pay
- Did they contact you first? Real lenders do not call you out of the blue.
- Are they asking for money before they give you anything? That is the oldest trick.
- Are they rushing you? Anyone honest will let you take a day.
- Does the bank account name match the person's name? Ask them to show you.
- Can you meet them, or someone who knows them?
You were cheated. Now what?
Report the number. It takes a minute and it warns the next person. See how to report.