As thousands of Muslims begin their annual pilgrimage, Greater Manchester Police are aiming to raise awareness of the threat posed by Hajj fraud.
Each year a staggering 25,000 British Muslims make the pilgrimage for the Hajj spending around £125million however many have become the victims of fraud having their dream trips shattered by heartless conmen.
City of London police have launched a campaign supported by GMP, which will encourage victims to report to Action Fraud. The Council of British Hajjs and the Association of British Travel Agents have also created a Hajj fraud video which includes an interview with a Midlands-based victim of Hajj fraud.
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.”
Many Muslims who shop around for the best deal on a trip to Mecca, both in their local community and increasingly online, are attracted by cheaper packages offering flights, accommodation and visas with 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.
GMP are urging pilgrims to do their research and not to book without carrying out basic checks on the travel company as well as ensuring a booking is made with a travel company is a member of a recognised trade body.
Also make sure all bookings and cash exchanges are in writing and 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
Image courtesy of Al Jazeera via Flickr, with thanks.
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