They’re Buying Your NIC – Don’t Sell Your Identity
While browsing Facebook for so-called job opportunities, I came across what looked like an easy way to make money. The post claimed you could get paid simply by sending your NIC, passport, or driving license for something called “KYC Verification.”
It sounded official, so I decided to investigate. But once I clicked the WhatsApp group link, it was clear that this was not a job opportunity at all. It was a group where admins openly request ID documents from Sri Lankans, offering small payments in return.
They even ask for your parents’, grandparents’, and siblings’ IDs if you have them. Imagine — your entire family’s identity being handed over to strangers online.
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft happens when someone takes your personal information — like your NIC, passport, or driver’s license — and uses it as if they were you.
With just a copy of your ID, criminals can:
- Open bank accounts under your name.
- Register SIM cards and phone numbers.
- Create online accounts for money laundering.
- Commit crimes and leave you to take the blame.
Many Sri Lankans don’t realize how dangerous this is until it’s too late. Worst case, you could end up tied to a crime you didn’t even know about. Your life, your family, and your reputation can be ruined — all for a few thousand rupees.
Why Do They Want Your Identity?
The truth is, no legitimate company needs random people’s IDs for “KYC.”
KYC (Know Your Customer) is a process banks and financial companies use internally — never through Facebook ads or WhatsApp groups.
So why do scammers want your ID? Because it gives them the power to:
- Launder Money – Open wallets or bank accounts in your name to move stolen funds.
- Create Criminal Accounts – SIM cards, Pay IDs, and crypto wallets can all be linked to you.
- Sell Your Data – Your NIC or passport can be sold on the darknet to international fraudsters.
- Frame You for Crimes – If your ID is used for fraud, the police will see your name, not the scammer’s.
👉 Selling your identity is not a side hustle. It’s not “easy money.” It’s handing over your life to criminals.
The Risks to You and Your Family
- Loss of Privacy: Once your NIC is leaked, you can never get it back.
- Police Trouble: If your name is linked to a scam, you may be questioned or even charged.
- Financial Damage: Loans or debts could be created under your identity.
- Family Impact: If you give your parents’ or siblings’ IDs, you drag them into the same risks.
Identity theft is not just a personal risk — it can destroy your whole family’s future.
How to Protect Yourself
- ❌ Never send your NIC, passport, or license to strangers online.
- 🚫 Ignore Facebook/WhatsApp ads asking for KYC verification or offering “easy money.”
- 📢 Report these groups to WhatsApp, Facebook, and Sri Lanka CERT.
- 🛑 Warn your friends and family before they hand over their documents.
Final Warning
These groups are not offering jobs or opportunities. They are scams designed to harvest your identity and use it for criminal purposes.
Once you send your NIC or passport, you lose control of it forever.
👉 Protect yourself. Protect your family. Never hand over your ID to unknown groups or people — no matter how convincing they sound or how small the payment is.
Know the Threat. Stop the Attack.
– DEBUGGER
