BEWARE of Umrah Scams!

BEWARE OF UMRA SCAM!

PROTECTION WAYS AND THINGS TO BE CONSIDERED

Umrah is a dream of every Muslim and is a worship performed by visiting the holy lands. However, from time to time, there are fraudulent activities that exploit people's spiritual feelings in this field, as in every field.

Just as preparations are made for Umrah with spiritual measures and prayers, some precautions must also be taken to ensure that this journey passes in safety and peace.

In order to be protected from Umrah fraud, fake advertisements and people with different intentions, you are kindly requested to pay attention to the issues in our article.

1. Religious Affairs Approved Official Agencies. Apply

The Presidency of Religious Affairs authorizes agencies for sacred journeys such as Hajj and Umrah. Agencies that provide such services, such as Alkış Turizm, are required to have a TURSAB certificate and other official authorizations. You can check these documents and obtain information from the agency's website and past activities.

2. Be sure to read the contract before signing it

Carefully read all the details written in the contract you will make for Umrah travel. At this point; Be sure to review the Umrah dates, the fees you need to pay, the hotel location and the details of the room you will stay in, all additional services (headphones, meals, transfers, visiting places and other). Inform the authorized person of any points you have in mind at the signing stage. If necessary, you can request that unclear parts be rearranged.

3. Pay Attention Especially to Attractive Looking Internet advertisements

Do not be deceived by advertisements that are completely price-oriented, very low and well below the market. Do not pay for such advertisements online and do not share your identity information. You can determine an average budget figure by researching the prices of authorized agencies during the period you will go for Umrah. You can be cautious about prices and advertisements that are much lower than this average.

4. Reach References and Get Detailed Information About the Company

Try to reach people who have performed Umrah before with the agency you have chosen for travel. In this regard, you can review the relevant company's website, social media accounts and complaint-based websites. If necessary, you can ask several people about their experiences. Thus, you can access reliable information about the company.

5. Make sure to request a document for every payment you make

Be sure to request a payment document from the agency for every payment you make for Umrah. For payments by money order, add all the details to the description section. For credit card payments, keep both the receipt and the payment slip. This way, you have the right to document any payment problems you may encounter in the future.

6. Clarify Details Such as Guide and Accommodation

Guide and accommodation are very important during Umrah travel. Clarify who your guide will be and in what processes he will serve you before you go. Performing Umrah is not enough just by buying a flight ticket and traveling. At this point, the guide, accommodation and transfers to visiting places affect the spiritual state of worship. It is recommended that you clarify these issues at the contract stage in order to avoid problems.

7. Check the Agency's Corporate Identity and Address

Official travel agencies have corporate identities and generally have a physical location. You can check their addresses and visit them if you wish. All authorization documents of corporate agencies are included in these documents. You can request to see these documents during your visit. Thus, your trust in the company will be strengthened and you can perform your Umrah with peace of mind.

8. Do not be fooled by those who offer Umrah through unofficial means

Do not be fooled by people who offer to take you to Umrah unofficially, especially over the internet or on the phone, under the name of an officer, at very affordable prices. Including the official authorities, they do not consider such methods appropriate, as they later encounter unimaginable problems. It is known that many grievances have occurred.

9. Make sure you have your insurance

Travel insurance is a very important and necessary insurance in Umrah worship, as in every travel. Umrah Travel insurance provided by reliable companies prevents many grievances. However, when insuring, you should check what is included in your policy.

10. Be Careful Against Non-Agreement Payments

Corporate agencies generally announce package prices for Umrah visits. What is or is not included in these prices is clearly determined. The probability of it changing later is very low. If the agency charges you with additional costs that are not included in the contract and demands new fees, you need to be careful about this.