ABTA warns pilgrims about rogue travel firms
With 25,000 pilgrims estimated to be heading overseas to Saudi Arabia for Hajj in the next few days, ABTA has repeated its annual warning about the dangers of booking with fraudulent or disreputable travel companies.
"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," it said.
Hajj takes place from October 2 to 7 and every year pilgrims pay hundreds of thousands of pounds for specialist Hajj flight and accommodation arrangements.
"With thousands of pounds changing hands, pilgrims need to be aware of the dangers of booking with disreputable travel companies," added ABTA.
It warned pilgrims to carry out basic checks on their travel company and make sure they were a member of a recognised body, such as ABTA, before bookings, and to make sure they received an ATOL certificate for flight-based packages.
ABTA also warned that all travel arrangements should be put in writing and pilgrim’s shouldn’t pay in cash or by direct bank transfer into an individual’s account.
However, the warning may come too late for those who have already booked pilgrimages to Hajj, which starts today.
Steve Abrahamson ABTA senior manager financial protection and risk 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."
Pilgrims 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.
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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