Abta warns pilgrims to Saudi Arabia about dangers of Hajj fraud

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An alert issued by Abta today (Thursday) said every year individuals pay for travel arrangements that are sub-standard, or in the worst cases, non-existent, leaving victims out of pocket by thousands of pounds.

Hajj takes place between today and Tuesday (October 7) and an estimated 25,000 pilgrims pay for special flight and accommodation arrangements.

“With thousands of pounds changing hands, pilgrims need to be aware of the dangers of booking with disreputable travel companies,” Abta said while issued a set of guidelines to minimise the possibility of fraud.

The association’s financial protection and risk senior manager Steve Abrahamson said: “Fraudsters regularly target pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia as often large sums of money are at stake.

“Fraudsters rely on the fact that pilgrims may not be aware of the strict regulations in place governing the sale of package travel arrangements in the UK.

“In many cases travel arrangements are of a much lower standard than promised or in the worst cases simply do not exist. ”

Abta recommends:

• 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 Abta whose members follow a strict code of conduct.
• If you are booking a flight based package make sure your travel company is Atol protected by the Civil Aviation Authority and that you receive an Atol certificate as soon as you exchange money.
• Get everything in writing.
• Do not pay the travel company by cash or direct bank transfer into an individual’s account.