Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Exposes Hajj Fraud Scheme in East Lombok

A scam modus operandi promising accelerated Hajj departures is now targeting prospective Hajj pilgrims (CJH) in East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The perpetrators even claim to be officials from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj). “The perpetrators claim to be officials from Kemenhaj. So that the public remains cautious, as there are many such scams now,” said the Head of the East Lombok Kemenhaj Office, Makinudin Masud, on Tuesday (14/4/2026). This fraudulent activity is generally carried out via phone calls from new numbers. The perpetrators offer assistance in fixing documents while promising faster Hajj departures. “They offer document corrections and also promise acceleration of departures. Usually from phone calls and new numbers that contact directly,” Makinudin explained. The East Lombok Kemenhaj office has received reports from the public regarding this modus. So far, three people have come to complain after being contacted by unknown parties claiming to be Kemenhaj officials. “There were already two people who reported previously, and today one more person reported; they claimed to have received calls from unknown people who pretended to be Kemenhaj officials. Fortunately, the public reported immediately, so there were no material losses,” Makinudin concluded. Makinudin stressed that offers of accelerated Hajj departures are certainly untrue. He assured that there is no official mechanism allowing someone to depart for Hajj without going through the queue. “There is no loophole; no official party can send someone on Hajj immediately after registration and departure. It must go through the waiting list process. If anyone offers that, I assure you it’s a lie and a scam,” Makinudin clarified. He urged the public not to easily believe information from irresponsible parties. If receiving similar offers, the public is asked to immediately confirm directly with the Kemenhaj office. “Please, if there is information in the name of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah promising accelerated departures, report it to us. There is no justification whatsoever for that information. It’s better to confirm directly with our office,” he added.