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Police issue travel warning to Muslim pilgrims
ABTA and the City of London police are warning the 25,000 British residents expected to make the annual pilgrimage to Hajj in Saudi Arabia later later this week not to fall prey to bogus or disreputable travel companies.
The say that every year pilgrims are tricked into booking non-existent packages, leaving them thousands of pounds out of pocket.
Hajj takes place from October 13 to 18.
The City of London Police are running a national campaign backed by ABTA with the Muslim community and local forces warning people to make sure their travel company is a member of a recognised body such as ABTA and to ensure their package is ATOL-protected.
They also advise pilgrims to get all travel arrangements in writing and warn them not to pay by cash or by direct bank transfer into an individual’s account.
Steve Abrahamson, ABTA risk, claims & membership administration manager, said: "Every year the police and trading standards offices have to deal with cases of Hajj pilgrims who have lost substantial amounts of money or arrived in Saudi Arabia to find that their accommodation and other travel arrangements are of a much lower standard than they had paid for.
"Fraudsters exploit the fact that many pilgrims are unaware of the strict regulations set up to protect people booking travel arrangements. But following the City of London police’s simple guidelines will help consumers avoid being the victims of Hajj fraudsters."
Hujjaj are encouraged to check on www.abta.com or with ATOL on 020 7453 6700 whether the company they are booking with is registered with either organisation.
Victims of Hajj fraud should report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk
For more information and advice visit: www.abta.com/Hajj
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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