National Hajj fraud campaign launched

Greater Manchester Police is supporting a national campaign launched by the City of London Police to raise awareness of the threat posed to Muslims by Hajj fraud and to encourage victims to report to Action Fraud.

Every year up to 25,000 British Muslims make the pilgrimage to Mecca for Hajj - taking place October 13 to 18 - spending around £125 million. But the hidden reality is that thousands more will fall foul of fraudsters and have their dreams of a once-in-a-lifetime trip destroyed.

The campaign is encouraging victims to report to Action Fraud to enable police to catch those responsible.

Detective Chief Inspector Rick Jackson from GMP’s Serious & Organised Crime Group said: “Hajj fraud is a devastating crime that each year robs Muslims of what could be their only opportunity to make the pilgrimage to Mecca. 

“The aim of the campaign is to understand the true scale of Hajj fraud, prevent people falling victim and help those who already have. We also want to track down and bring to justice the fraudsters who make criminal capital by destroying other people’s dreams.”

Muslims shopping around for the best deal on a trip to Mecca, both in their local community and increasingly online, are attracted by packages – flights, accommodation, visas – which appear to offer good value for money. Some operators advertise large reductions.

Individuals are asked to pay in cash or make a direct bank transfer prior to their trip and are told they will receive their tickets and travel documents nearer to the departure date. For some they never arrive.

How to protect yourself and your loved ones from Hajj fraud:

• Do your research – Don’t book without carrying out some basic checks on your travel company 
• Make sure your travel company is a member of a recognised trade body, such as
• If you are booking a flight based package make sure your travel company is ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) protected by the Civil Aviation Authority
• Get everything in writing
• Do not pay the travel company by cash or direct bank transfer into an individual’s account

Victims of Hajj fraud should report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk