Hajj Rip off

W-Salam,

These people?

Jazakullah Khairun

It could be same users on different forums or same user with different ID's as it isn't difficult.

http://www.ummah.com/forum/showthread.php?332689-Hajj-2012-Aleman-travel

• Make sure your travel agent/tour operator is ATOL (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing) protected
  
• Check that your travel agent/tour operator is accredited by the Saudi Embassy
  
• Check exactly what you are paying for
  
• Get everything in writing
  

Unfortunately, money paid by bank transfer can not be reversed as fas as I know. However it is still worth a try. The Fake Hajj operator may be banking with the same bank as your nephew, its worth the try.

This is waht banks have to say...

There are occasions on which payments made through the BACS (Bank Automated Credit Service) system can be recalled by the originator but, generally, this can only happen on the same day that the transfer was made. It also depends, to some extent, upon the relationship between the two banks between whom the transmissions have taken place. Where, however, the Internet BACS system is used, there can be no recall after payment has been credited.

You must report it to the fraud department, as they can help you get the monies back if the account is still open.

ABTA:Pilgrims should avoid

 

unlicensed travel companies

 

when booking Hajj trips

 

8th Sep 2012

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), a UK-based association of travel agents, has issued a warning regarding the practices of unlicensed travel companies to UK travellers journying to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.

With 25,000 pilgrims estimated to be heading overseas to Saudi Arabia from the UK for Hajj which takes place between 24 & 29 October 2012, ABTA is warning all potential Hajj pilgrims about the dangers of booking with unlicensed travel companies, which every year sees individuals paying for travel arrangements that are sub-standard, or in the worst cases, non-existent, leaving victims out of pocket by thousands of pounds.

Every year pilgrims pay thousands of pounds for specialist Hajj flight and accommodation arrangements. However, pilgrims should be aware of the dangers of booking with unlicensed travel companies. By UK law, if a travel company books a customer on a flight-based package holiday, they must have an ATOL licence in place to ensure the customer is financially protected in the event something goes wrong. In addition if the companies are not members of ABTA, they are not policed by ABTA’s Code of Conduct which ensures customers receive high standards of service, fair terms of trading and accurate booking information. ABTA membership also means that if something should go wrong before or after the trip pilgrims will be able to use ABTA’s cost effective and swift complaint handling service.

The City of London Police are so concerned about this problem that they have produced a leaflet for Hajj pilgrims giving sensible advice, but also encouraging victims of fraudulent traders to report the matter to the police. Currently only 10% of victims of Hajj fraud are estimated by the Association of British Hujajj (pilgrims) to report the crime.

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. For many Hajj is a once in a lifetime trip and fraudsters don’t just steal pilgrims’ money but the opportunity to fulfil a religious duty.

Whether you are offering a hajj trip or a holiday, the same laws apply and companies must have an ATOL licence when selling flights and accommodation as a package or act as an agent for a company that does. Hajj pilgrims should always check that they are legitimate ABTA members and that they hold an ATOL licence when booking. Also we would strongly encourage all victims of fraud or misrepresentation to go to Trading Standards offices or the police so that we can finally put a stop to this unscrupulous and dishonest practice.

The Director of the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau Det. Supt. Dave Clark advises pilgrims to be vigilant when booking their trip. He also emphasised how important it is to report this type of crime to the police or Action Fraud. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to follow his advice which can be found on the NFIB website http://www.nfib.police.uk/hajj-2012-latest-advice.html if these matters are not reported fraudsters will continue to target the Muslim community.”