For millions of Muslims, the journey to Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual milestone, a sacred obligation built on faith, sacrifice and years of saving. But for a growing number of pilgrims in the UK, that journey is being overshadowed by a rising threat: fraud.
New figures released by the City of London Police reveal that victims lost £195,752 to Hajj-related scams in 2025, with dozens of cases reported during peak booking months. Now, authorities are working with Faraaz Noor to raise awareness, using his personal story to highlight both the significance of the pilgrimage and the risks facing those preparing for it.
Mr Noor, who appeared on The Traitors (Series 4), became a fan favourite not only for his gameplay but for his heartfelt ambition: to take his family on Hajj as a way of thanking them for their unwavering support.
Although he narrowly missed out on the £95,750 prize, his story has since taken a remarkable turn. In a gesture that captured public attention, Umar Kamani co-founder of Pretty Little Thing stepped forward to fund the pilgrimage for Mr Noor and his family, turning a personal dream into reality.
Yet while his journey offers hope, police say many others are falling victim to criminals exploiting that same dream.
Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Ives, from the City of London Police, warned that the emotional and spiritual importance of Hajj makes pilgrims particularly vulnerable.
“Planning a pilgrimage is a deeply important and personal journey, which makes it especially distressing when criminals exploit that trust,” he said. “The financial and emotional impact can be devastating.”
In one case highlighted by investigators, a victim paid more than £4,000 for a Hajj package through a travel agency, only to receive no flight tickets, accommodation details or official itinerary days before departure. Despite repeated attempts to obtain information, the agency failed to provide proof of bookings and refused refunds, citing unverified “reservation fees”.
Authorities say such cases are becoming increasingly common, particularly in April and May when bookings peak. In total, 34 reports were made last year, with the highest single loss exceeding £64,000.
The scams range from fake travel packages and ticket fraud to online shopping and advance fee scams, all designed to target individuals at a time when they are focused on preparing for a deeply spiritual journey.
As part of its 2026 awareness campaign, the City of London Police has partnered with Mr Noor to deliver a public message urging pilgrims to remain vigilant. In a video released as part of the campaign, he shares practical advice on how to avoid falling victim to fraud.
His involvement brings added weight to the campaign, not just as a public figure, but as someone who understands the emotional significance of Hajj within Muslim families.
For many, like Mr Noor, the pilgrimage is not simply a trip, but a lifelong goal tied to gratitude, faith and family.
Police are now urging those planning Hajj or Umrah to take extra precautions, including booking only through the official Nusuk platform, verifying travel agents thoroughly, and keeping clear records of all payments.
They also warn that Hajj packages are not ATOL protected, meaning travellers may not be financially covered if something goes wrong.
Pilgrims are encouraged to report any suspected fraud to Report Fraud and seek guidance if they believe they have been targeted.
As preparations for Hajj 2026 gather pace, authorities say awareness is key, ensuring that journeys of faith are not derailed by deception.
Because for those embarking on Hajj, it is more than a destination. It is a calling, one that should never be compromised.
