Fraudsters targetting Hajj pilgrims with fake refund claims: Ministry

The Ministry of Religious Affairs today (16 November) issued an urgent alert to Hajj pilgrims and stakeholders, warning of an active fraud ring exploiting the refund process for Hajj expenses.

Fraudsters, impersonating ministry officials, are calling pilgrims, Hajj agency representatives, and guides to collect sensitive financial information under the guise of processing refunds, according to a press release.

These scammers are reportedly requesting details such as debit or credit card numbers and mobile payment credentials, including bKash and Nagad information. A few cases of successful fraud have already been reported, prompting the ministry to urge vigilance and caution, it said.

The ministry clarified that refunds for Hajj-related payments are only processed through bank transfers via BEFTN or issued as cheques. At no point does the ministry request information about debit or credit cards or mobile financial services for refund purposes.

What to do if contacted by scammers

The ministry strongly advised Hajj pilgrims and associated parties not to disclose any personal financial information over the phone. If anyone receives suspicious calls claiming to be from the ministry, they should immediately lodge a written complaint with law enforcement authorities.

The ministry also confirmed that it had earlier requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to initiate legal action against such fraudulent activities.

This warning comes as an essential reminder for the public to remain alert against scams, especially in sensitive processes like Hajj refunds.