Police warn public against fake ‘Raaya Male’’ liquidation sale scam

Police have warned the public to remain vigilant against a social media page called “Raaya Male’”, which is scamming people by posing as a Maldivian jewelry brand conducting a liquidation sale.

According to police, the page falsely claims that the owner has decided to close the business following the death of her husband, after allegedly running the brand for many years with the support of close friends and family. Using this narrative, the page advertises a liquidation sale offering discounts of up to 80 percent on jewelry items.

The page presents itself as a legitimate business by displaying an email address and linking to a separate website. However, the Police Anti-Scam Centre said the operation is designed to steal card details and personal information.

In a statement, police said the fraudulent website redirects users to a fake bank login page during the payment process, where victims are tricked into entering their internet banking usernames, passwords and other sensitive information.

Police warned the page is scamming people under the pretense of selling goods and urged the public not to enter any personal or financial information on the website.

The public has also been advised not to click on links provided by suspicious websites to access internet banking services, and not to enter OTPs through any external links.

Police said anyone who believes they may have shared their details should immediately contact their bank to block their account and card.

Police further noted that online scams are increasing and highlighted another social media page, “Dheenuge Magugai” (“On the Path of Religion”), which has also been reported for allegedly scamming people by soliciting donations under the guise of helping sick individuals.