A new phone scam has been reported in Sri Lanka, with fraudsters calling unsuspecting individuals and claiming that a family member has been seriously injured in an accident and urgently needs medication from outside the hospital.

According to a warning posted on Facebook by Dr Ravinda Udagamage on 7 August, the scam begins when an unknown caller phones a victim, addressing them by name and mentioning a close relative — such as a child, spouse, or parent. The caller may claim to be speaking from a hospital, sometimes posing as a hospital staff member, and provides accurate personal details to gain the victim’s trust.

The caller then says the injured relative is about to be transferred to Colombo and urgently requires several medicines that must be purchased privately. The victim is told to bring money immediately or to transfer it so the medicines can be obtained without delay.

Many victims, shocked and panicked, reportedly hand over money without verifying the claim. Once payment is made, the fraudster’s phone is switched off, leaving the victim with no way to contact them.

A similar incident was reported on 6 August, and another occurred today at Gampaha Hospital, according to Dr Udagamage.

He urged the public to remain vigilant, verify any such claims directly with the hospital or family members, and never transfer money without confirmation.