{
  "id": 1085053,
  "title": "2027 Hajj: NAHCON warns against fraudulent ‘special slot’ scams",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/2027-hajj-nahcon-warns-against-fraudulent-special-slot-scams",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-15T17:36:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/2027-hajj-nahcon-warns-against-fraudulent-special-slot-scams/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has issued a warning to intending pilgrims and Hajj tour operators against falling prey to fraudulent schemes promising guaranteed Hajj slots for the 2027 Hajj. In a statement, NAHCON clarified that no individual, agent, tour operator, or any person has been authorized to request or collect money as a “facilitation fee” or additional payment for this purpose. They emphasized that the allocation of Hajj slots strictly follows approved processes and complies with their guidelines for licensing tour operators, which are publicly available.\n\nNAHCON cautioned that any contact from individuals claiming to offer guaranteed slots in exchange for money is fraudulent and illegal. They advised paying for Hajj services only through officially designated channels such as state pilgrims' welfare agencies, designated Hajj savings banks, and duly licensed tour operators. They also urged the public to report any unsolicited calls, messages, or demands for additional payments related to Hajj slot allocation to the police or other law enforcement agencies.\n\nThe commission further reminded intending pilgrims that failing to meet the published deadlines for uploading pilgrims' data and completing payments by December 2, 2026, would result in the loss of their allocated slots. Despite such actions by unauthorized parties, NAHCON remains committed to ensuring a transparent, fair, and orderly 2027 Hajj exercise. They urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the Commission and remain vigilant against potential fraud.",
  "summary": "NAHCON warns intending pilgrims and tour operators against fraudulent ‘special slot’ scams for the 2027 Hajj. Learn how to avoid Hajj scams. Read More: https://punchng.com/2027-hajj-nahcon-warns-against-fraudulent-special-slot-scams/",
  "key_points": [
    "NAHCON warns against fraudulent 'special slot' scams for 2027 Hajj.",
    "No one authorized for Hajj slot allocation or facilitation fees.",
    "Report unsolicited payment demands to law enforcement agencies."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "2027 Hajj: NAHCON warns against fraudulent ‘special slot’ scams",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/2027-hajj-nahcon-warns-against-fraudulent-special-slot-scams-1087680",
        "published": "2026-08-15T17:52:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}