Be aware of the Free Hajj Sponsorship scam as several portals online are stealing personal data of hundreds of thousands of people as Muslims across the globe are gearing up for the annual pilgrimage.
Pakistan Observer found that scammers created sham portals and are sending phishing emails and spam links on Whatsapp groups to offer Hajj packages or services. The fraudsters doing massive scam in name of Islamic pilgrimage ask people to submit personal information including passport details, credit card information, and other sensitive data.
A message doing rounds on Whatsapp claims that “Applications for Mohammed Bin Salman Free Hajj Sponsorship 2024 Is Available”, and that “Scheme is open for those not in position to afford hajj this year”.
It further said 0.75 million Muslims will be given opportunity to do Hajj with Free transport and accommodation.
A site naming “MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN Hajj 2024 Sponsorship Scheme” ranked top at Google but only a few people know that this is absolute Fake scheme to lure innocent people who are trying to visit Saudi for Hajj 2024.
The fake portal claimed that Hajj sponsorship is being offered through Kingdom’s foundation, and is open to every Hajj applicant.
Scammers also forced people to share the link in Whatsapp groups. As per the available information, the scammers are operating the site from Nigeria.
Saudi Arabia warns against Online Hajj Registration Scams
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued warning for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages to be alert to online registration scams.
Ministry of Hajj and Umrah urged pilgrims to only use official ministry accounts as scammers have been duping people with personal information and money by encouraging them to follow a link to a fake portal.
Saudi Ministry spokesperson Hisham Saeed told a foreign publication that ministry does not fund any Hajj. It also cautioned people for online links, which have spread recently.