Lancashire Trading Standards is warning people to beware of fraudsters when booking Hajj packages.

Every year families fall victim to providers who falsely describe services and accommodation they offer, and others who take money from pilgrims and then shut, leaving people with no tour and no way of getting their money back.

Trading standards advice is: Keep a record: To ensure you are booking with a reputable company and that your payments are protected:

  • Ensure your agent is ATOL registered n Ensure your agent appears on the approved list of Hajj providers
  •  Ensure your agent has a Munazzam card n Ensure you receive an ATOL certificate when you book
  • Ensure your contract details all the information about what exactly you have booked and paid for
  • Always ask questions about your itinerary – for example, where exactly will you be staying, for how long, what is the accommodation like, where will you fly to, what is included – think about the things that are important to you and make a list of all the things you need to know.

Making checks: This is your responsibility. Do not assume that because an agent is advertising on TV or radio that these checks have been done for you – take control, do the checks and remember you are the customer and have a right to ask any questions you wish about the package.

If you have already booked your Hajj package but have concerns, tell trading standards.

If you think a business may not be ATOL registered, if you do not receive a contract or ATOL certificate, if you have concerns about your itinerary or what is included – if you have paid money and suddenly can't contact the business, the sooner trading standards know, the quicker action can be taken.

Speak to trading standards: This month there will be leaflets and posters across Lancashire in shops and mosques. Officers will also be visiting mosques.

Later this month there will be inspections of Hajj operators and agents to ensure they are operating within legal requirements.

Any concerns, inquiries or complaints can be made to Citizen’s Advice Helpline.

Your details will not be disclosed to any other party without your agreement. Trading standards actions can be more effective if they have good, detailed and timely information about the rogue businesses.

There is nothing wrong in complaining: Although you may be uncomfortable about making a complaint, remember this is the only way trading standards can ensure only the reputable businesses are operating, and ensuring that all pilgrims have a better experience in the future.

Log your complaint: Contact Citizen’s Advice Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 – this will ensure your complaint or concerns can be recorded and Trading Standards can take action.