City of London Police partner with The Traitors finalist Faraaz Noor to warn of the dangers of Hajj-related fraud

The City of London Police is urging those planning to undertake Hajj to remain vigilant as new data reveals that victims lost £195,752 to Hajj-related fraud in 2025.

As part of the 2026 awareness campaign, the City of London Police has partnered with The Traitors finalist Faraaz Noor, who recorded a public message warning of the risks of Hajj-related fraud. In the video, he shares practical advice and top tips to help pilgrims protect themselves when booking their journey.

A total of 34 reports were made to Action Fraud (replaced by Report Fraud in December) over the course of the year, with the highest single reported loss exceeding £64,000. Reports peaked in April and May, with five cases recorded in each month, highlighting a surge in fraudulent activity during the key booking period for pilgrims.

The majority of reports related to consumer and retail fraud and ticket fraud, alongside cases involving online shopping scams, advance fee fraud, and investment fraud. These figures underline the range of tactics used by criminals to target individuals preparing for the pilgrimage.

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Ives, from the City of London Police, said:

“Planning a pilgrimage is a deeply important and personal journey, which makes it especially distressing when criminals exploit that trust. The financial and emotional impact can be devastating. We are urging anyone booking Hajj or Umrah to take extra care, carry out thorough checks, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.”

Case study

In one reported case, a victim arranged a complete Hajj travel package through a travel agency. After paying over £4,000, the victim, along with three others, received no flight tickets, accommodation details, or official itinerary just days before departure. The agency failed to provide documentation despite repeated requests and refused refunds, claiming ‘reservation fees’ would be deducted without evidence of confirmed bookings.

To avoid Hajj-related fraud, authorities recommend the following tips: 

• Use the official Nusuk website to book your Hajj and only book it with one of the travel agents listed on the site. 

• Research the travel agent using trusted websites and reviews before you complete your booking. 

• Hajj packages are not ATOL protected, so ask for advice from your travel agent on how this may affect your pilgrimage. 

• Keep all receipts and details of your payments, and follow the advice on the Nusuk website about how and when to make payments. 

Pilgrims are encouraged to report suspected fraud to Report Fraud and seek advice if they believe they may have been targeted.

The City of London Police continues to work with partners and community voices to raise awareness and prevent further victims of Hajj-related fraud.