I WENT to Makkah in October last year along with eight friends to perform Umrah. One of us posted photos on the social media with hashtags like #Alhamdulillah and #Umrah. Shortly after we had posted, an imposter replicated the account profile. Using identical profile pictures and infor-mation, this fake account sent desperate pleas for money to all contacts, claiming urgency and promising repay- ment upon ‘our’ return. The acquaintances and loved ones received these fraudulent requests, believing them to be genuine as we were in the holy land.

By analysing the pattern, we uncovered that the scam capitalised on specific hashtags used in the posts and the locations tagged during check-ins. The scammers used the fact that individuals embarking on the religious journey usually face limited internet access and prioritise the pilgrimage over mundane online activities, creating a window of vulnerability.

We conducted an experiment as we all were together. We shared photos on Facebook with various Umrah-related hashtags, and the outcome was consistent. In just 15 minutes, counterfeit profiles emerged, triggering messages from concerned friends in Pakistan. Interes-tingly, I refrained from posting anything or being mentioned in the related posts, thus avoiding any such encounters.

More recently, a colleague went to perform Umrah and faced a similar scam. His business associates, falling for the scam, unwittingly sent money that they naturally ended up losing. I was unable to reach my friend in time to alert him to the negative possibilities.

This fraudulent scheme thrives due to its rapid execution and the perceived urgency, catching relatives and friends unaware and prompting them to act swiftly out of concern. Unfortunately, individuals, assuming a legitimate plea for assistance, sent substantial sums, falling victim to this fraud.

Regrettably, there is a lack of preventive mechanisms in place. Urgent steps are necessary to combat this rising trend. Educating the public about these tactics could be a crucial step towards thwarting such scams. This issue demands ownership and awareness. Mere condemnation will not suffice. Proactive education and spreading awareness about the scam might shield future pilgrims from such a trap.

Usman Ali
Sadiqabad

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2024