SAUDI EXPATRIATES

Claiming to offer lodging and transportation services to pilgrims visiting the Holy Sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat, they made bold claims in their marketing. According to the Makkah police, they were subject to legal action, and the Public Prosecution was notified.

- The Saudi government's public security agency has issued a warning to Saudi nationals and foreign nationals living in the kingdom to be cautious of deceptive online ads that claim to help people perform the Hajj, sell electronic wristbands that are supposed to be used for the pilgrimage, provide transportation, slaughter animals for religious pilgrims, and other similar claims.

- It restated the government's firm stance that fraudsters will face the full force of the law in the event that they commit fraud. Read : Saudi Arabia to receive Hajj pilgrims from its 6 Airports

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has been alerting people all over the world about the fake Hajj 2024/1445h campaigns that have been going on for quite some time on social media platforms.

- In an effort to attract users, the campaigns build tempting web pages and falsely claim to be "Certified" or "Approved" by relevant authorities.

- After they've established relationship with a customer on their website, they will ask for a deposit before they can move forward with the booking. Further, once the payment is processed, it cannot be refunded. Most Viewed : Saudi Arabia is building a Future proof economy

- Scammers target pilgrims looking for bargains on the hajj by offering significant discounts (anything from 50% to 70%) on top of the already low rates.

- The authorities called to avoid falling for such schemes, campaigns, and websites. The only recognized platform to book your Hajj or Umrah is Nusuk. See Also : Saudi Arabia to trail Flying Taxis and drones in this year's Hajj

Makkah police arrested 3 Fraudsters for Fake Hajj campaigns on Social Media platforms