Saudi Arabia arrests two over fake Hajj campaigns targeting pilgrims online
Dubai: Saudi authorities have arrested a Saudi national and a foreign resident in Mecca for operating fraudulent Hajj campaigns that falsely promised accommodation and transportation services within the holy sites, Mecca Police announced on Monday.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has repeatedly warned prospective pilgrims against falling victim to such scams, emphasizing that performing Hajj is only possible with an official visa issued by Saudi authorities—either through licensed Hajj missions or the Kingdom's official Nusuk Hajj platform.
'These fake campaigns exploit the spiritual aspirations of pilgrims and pose a serious risk to their safety and experience,' the Ministry said.
The suspects allegedly promoted misleading advertisements offering housing and transport within the sacred sites, in violation of Saudi regulations. Authorities said the individuals used social media to lure unsuspecting pilgrims with false promises of low-cost packages and seamless logistics.
As part of its digital transformation strategy and efforts to combat fraud, Saudi Arabia has launched Nusuk, a unified online portal managed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The platform serves pilgrims from over 50 countries without official Hajj missions, offering approved service packages with transparent pricing and guaranteed standards.
'The Nusuk platform is the only safe and legitimate channel for international pilgrims from select countries to secure Hajj packages,' said Ahmed Bajuaifer, advisor to the National Committee for Hajj and Umrah. 'Anyone attempting to book through unlicensed sources risks losing their opportunity to perform the pilgrimage.'
Pilgrims are urged to rely exclusively on the official Nusuk platform and authorized agents to avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
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