SMS service launched to prevent private hajj scheme fraud

ISLAMABAD (APP) - The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has launched a short message service (SMS) service 8331 to help preventing private hajj scheme pilgrims from being defrauded or swindled.

According to official sources, a prospective pilgrim wishing to perform hajj through a private Hajj Group Organiser (HGO) should send the HGO's enrollment number from his mobile phone to 8331.

He will instantly receive a message, according to officials, with details about the enrollment status of the HGO, the name of its chief executive, its allotted quota and office address.

The SMS service will help pilgrims from being defrauded or swindled, in addition to forewarning them about fictitious companies.

However, ministry officials said they would not be responsible for any fraud with an intending pilgrim, who inked an agreement with an HOG or travel agent without checking its enrollment status or allotted Hajj quota.