Hajj fraud campaign tackles criminals preying on Muslims booking trips to Mecca

The following is a media release shared on behalf of the City of London Police:

The City of London Police have launched a national Hajj fraud campaign to tackle criminals preying on Muslims booking trips to Mecca.

The City of London Police is this week (week commencing Monday 18 April 2016) teaming up with police forces across England, Wales and Scotland to raise awareness and encourage reporting of Hajj fraud.

The fourth national campaign – delivered with the support of the British Council of Hajjis, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) – is being run as part of the ongoing efforts to protect Muslims who will be booking trips to Mecca over the coming months to perform Hajj in the autumn.

Between April 1 2015 and March 31 2016 there were 49 reports of Hajj fraud (average loss of £2,651) made to Action Fraud, marking a 33% drop on the previous year’s reporting figures. Hotspots for recorded offending were London, Birmingham, Manchester and Blackburn.

However, law enforcement and figures within the Muslim community remain convinced these numbers represent just the tip of the iceberg, with many victims feeling too embarrassed, ashamed or frightened to report what has happened to them.

To try and break down remaining barriers 16 police forces will be engaging with their local Muslim communities through meetings and via their own social and digital media channels.

City of London Police Commander Chris Greany, who is the Police National Coordinator for Economic Crime, said: “Hajj fraud continues to destroy the dreams people have of making a once in a lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca. Many victims will have saved for years to be able to afford to travel to Saudi Arabia and as a result will be absolutely devastated when they find out that they have in fact been conned by fraudsters.

“The key to staying safe and keeping the criminals at bay is to conduct your own research into the travel company you are thinking of using. Make sure it is really a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected and is not just using false logos. You should also get everything in writing and, when you have made a decision, pay for your trip by credit card.”

To view the full media release, please visit the City of London Police website.

How to protect yourself and your loved ones from Hajj fraudsters

• Do your research: Don’t book without carrying out some basic checks on your travel agency/ tour operator. A recommendation from a friend or family member does not guarantee the authenticity of the outfit. Go online and run a search on the travel company to see if other people have commented on their services.
• Make sure your travel company is a member of a recognised trade association such as ABTA: All ABTA members have to follow a code of conduct and meet rigorous entry criteria, minimising the chance of fraudulent companies joining. You can verify a company’s ABTA membership by visiting the ABTA website.
• 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 (CAA). If the travel company closes down whilst you are in Saudi Arabia your return air ticket should still be valid but you will probably be asked to repay for your accommodation. You can claim this cost from the CAA as well as a refund of your money if you have not travelled yet. You can check an ATOL license by visiting the ATOL website. at:
• Get everything in writing: Always get written terms and conditions as this details your contract with the travel company. Make sure your flight details, accommodation and Hajj visa are valid. Establish an auditable paper trail and keep records of financial transactions.
• Do not pay the travel company by cash or by direct bank transfer into an individual’s account: Most legitimate companies will have facilities with a bank to accept credit or debit cards. If you do pay by bank transfer or cash and the company turns out to be fraudulent it will be virtually impossible to get your money back.

If you have been a victim of Hajj fraud

Please don’t suffer in silence or feel embarrassed about coming forward. It is very important that you report the crime to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or by visiting the Action Fraud website.

All reports are reviewed by the City of London Police’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau and can be used to identify serial offenders and form the basis of police investigations by local forces. Only by knowing the true scale and nature of the threat can law enforcement effectively target the fraudsters who are causing most harm to the Muslim community.

If you are having consumer related problems with your Hajj travel provider, please contact trading standards via the Citzens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506 or by emailing hajjhelp@birmingham.gov.uk