Criminals are launching a variety of scams targeting Muslims around the world who are planning on making the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, according to researchers at Resecurity.
“These scams often involve fraudsters duping people into parting with personal information and money by encouraging them to follow links to fake websites,” the researchers write.
“The scams can be particularly devastating, as individuals may lose their life savings or suffer significant financial losses. Fraudsters do not discriminate based on age, gender, or location. They target licensed travel companies and advertise fraudulent deals for Hajj tours.
In some cases, these tours are sold at significantly discounted prices, but shortly before departure, the tour operator closes, leaving people without a tour and no way to get their money back.”
The researchers have observed the following scams targeting individuals planning to make the pilgrimage:
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“Fake Hajj pilgrimage agencies: Fraudsters set up fake travel agencies or websites offering attractive packages to entice people. These packages may be sold at significantly discounted prices, but the tour operator closes shortly before departure, leaving individuals without a tour and no way to get their money back."
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"Online registration scams: Scammers create fake websites or send out false invitations, duping people into providing personal information and money. They may encourage individuals to follow links to these fake websites, where they are tricked into making payments or sharing sensitive information."
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“Sub-standard or non-existent travel arrangements: Some individuals pay for travel arrangements that turn out to be sub-standard or, in the worst cases, non-existent. Victims may be left out of pocket by thousands of pounds."
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“Unlicensed or fraudulent travel companies: Organized crime groups target licensed travel companies and advertise fraudulent deals for Hajj tours. These deals may be sold at significantly lower prices, but the tour operator closes before departure, leaving individuals without a tour and no way to get their money back."
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“Social media scams: Scammers use social media platforms to promote fake Hajj packages and entice people with attractive offers. They take advantage of the high demand for pilgrimages and use social media to spread their scams.”
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