SHAH ALAM, April 18 — Hajj scam syndicates are becoming increasingly sophisticated by using digital technology and international networks to deceive victims.
The Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation’s senior vice-chairman Datuk Seri Ayub Yaakob said such organisations no longer operate through conventional methods, but instead conduct detailed research before targeting their victims.
“Scammers carry out research. They look at which sector they can penetrate, including systems and human sentiment, especially the excitement people feel about performing the Hajj.
"The Hajj sector has become a target due to the large number of pilgrims involved and the high financial value associated with the pilgrimage," he told Media Selangor.
Ayub added that the syndicates involve both local and international networks with complex operational structures.
“It does not involve just one country but multiple countries. They hire ordinary individuals and professionals, and some people are even manipulated, including their own agents,” he said.
Some individuals involved are actually victims themselves, including those recruited as agents without fully realising their actual role and that syndicates also use the names of religious figures and celebrities to increase public trust.
“When scammers use influencers or prominent names, people tend to believe them easily without carrying out proper checks,” Ayub said.
He noted that the modus operandi has also evolved in line with technological advancements, including the use of apps and artificial intelligence (AI).
“Today, apps can easily be created and filled with certain documents or facts to make them appear authentic. AI makes scams harder to detect because it can imitate the voice and face of certain individuals to influence victims.
“Some victims end up having to escape through the desert. If they are caught, they will be detained until the end of the Hajj season,” Ayub said.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents’ Hajj and Umrah vice-chairman Mohd Azri Abd Razak said the most common tactic is to offer unrealistically cheap packages.
“Most of the modus operandi involve using tourist visas and offering cheap packages, but in reality, there is no Hajj permit.
“Pilgrims are usually offered the chance to begin their pilgrimage after (the month of) Syawal and will first be transited to another location such as Riyadh before travelling to Jeddah,” he said.
Both agreed that the main reasons victims fall for such scams are a lack of knowledge and a strong desire to perform the Hajj, as some are unwilling to wait for their official turn despite being financially capable, making them more vulnerable to scams.
Commenting on preventive measures, Ayub stressed that efforts should shift from post-incident investigations to early prevention.
“Lembaga Tabung Haji itself also needs to be more transparent about the quota allocated so that monitoring can be carried out more easily, and there should also be a special committee to oversee this issue,” he said.
Ayub also suggested intensifying awareness campaigns, including at the school and community levels.
Meanwhile, Azri advised the public to verify any Hajj package offers with TH before making payments.
“If this scam continues, it will not only cause impact and trauma to pilgrims but may also affect diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia,” he said.
