QuickCheck: Is there a ‘Furada visa’ scam that haj pilgrims should be cautious of?

THERE are a rising number of cheating cases involving scammers taking money from unassuming people via various agencies and promotions.

One of the many ways in which people are being cheated are via document applications, fake ticket sales and "free giveaways".

Has a "Furada visa" scam now been added to the mix?

Verdict:

True

In a statement released by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) on Wednesday (June 14), it cautioned that the Furada visa is a visa issued by the Royal Saudi Arabian Embassy in Malaysia to certain individuals or groups only.

"Muslims in Malaysia are advised to be cautious of haj packages involving Furada visas offered by travel agencies that are not licensed by TH.

"Prospective pilgrims who want to obtain a Furada visa are advised to use the haj package service provided by those with the haj operator licence (PJH), who are licensed by TH.

"Individuals or agencies offering haj package services without our (TH) approval are committing an offence and may be subject to legal action under the Tabung Haji Act 1995 (Act 535)," it said.

It urged the public to be aware of the scam and contact Tabung Haji at 03-6207 1919 for any grievances.

To check the list of licenced agencies, visit www.tabunghaji.gov.my.