Dinal De Alwis kills self over scam threats… here’s how to handle similar situations

Dinal De Alwis, a talented 16-year-old student of UK-based Sinhalese and an athlete, tragically took his own life after being threatened by Nigerian scammers.

The scammers had obtained nude photos of him and demanded £100 or they would share the images with his online followers. Instead of giving in to their demands, Dinal left his family home, leaving behind a heartbreaking video message for his loved ones before taking his own life.

His devastated father, Kaushallya De Alwis, spoke out about the pain of losing his son and urged others to be cautious online. Dinal had excelled academically and athletically, with dreams of studying at Cambridge and a promising future ahead of him. 

However, the emotional trauma caused by the blackmail ultimately led to his untimely death.

Despite efforts by authorities to track down the scammers, they were unable to locate them. Dinal’s family now mourns the loss of their beloved son and hopes that by sharing his story, they can prevent others from falling victim to similar online threats. 

Read more story on suicide & scam:

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• Gambling goes wrong: Ogun student commits suicide after losing school fee to betting
• Woman in Mummy Calm Down video commits suicide? Here’s what we know so far 

The inquest ruled Dinal’s death a suicide, highlighting the devastating impact of online blackmail and the importance of seeking help in times of crisis.

10 ways to handle similar situations

Falling victim to online scammers can be devastating, but it’s essential to remember that there are ways to protect yourself:

Verify identity: Always verify the identity of the person or organization you’re dealing with online. Be cautious of unsolicited messages or requests for personal information.

Research: Before making any financial transactions or sharing sensitive information, research the individual or company involved. Look for reviews, ratings, or any reported scams associated with them.

Secure transactions: Only make transactions through secure and trusted platforms. Avoid sending money or personal information through unsecured channels or to unknown entities.

Stay informed: Keep yourself informed about common online scams and the tactics scammers use. This awareness can help you recognize red flags and protect yourself from falling victim.

Protect personal information: Be cautious about sharing personal information online, especially on social media platforms. Scammers can use this information to target you more effectively.

Use strong passwords: Ensure your online accounts are protected with strong, unique passwords. Consider using a reputable password manager to help generate and manage secure passwords.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. This helps prevent unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.

Be skeptical: Question unexpected offers, deals, or requests for money. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a potential scam or suspicious activity online, report it to the relevant authorities or platforms. This can help prevent others from falling victim.

Seek support: If you feel overwhelmed or distressed by online scams or any other online threats, seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals. Remember that you are not alone, and help is available.

By following these precautions and staying vigilant, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to online scams and protect your well-being. If you’re struggling emotionally, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a mental health professional for support.