have some sympathy for these wannabe-haji's..

[mani]

such a sad story

http://www.theasiannews.co.uk//news/...nds_shockwaves

A HAJJ tour operator has left 300 prospective pilgrims out of pocket after fleeing with over a million pounds it has been claimed.

The Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK said the London based tour operator has left people angry and distraught following the scam and have said they have been "disgusted" that someone could take advantage of vulnerable and innocent people including the sick and elderly.

The Metropolitan Police have set up a helpline for all those who have been a victim of this crime. To report an incident or to gain updates call 0208 217 4947 or contact The Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK on 0121 440 1700 for further help and advice.

[TDR]

Make sure the tour operator has the Air Travel Organisers' License (ATOL).

They should have this logo on their leaflets:

and you can check the ATOL website to make sure they're registered.
http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=27

ATOL protects you from losing your money or being stranded abroad. It does this by carrying out checks on the tour operators and travel organisers it licenses, and requiring them to take part in a financial guarantee scheme managed by the Air Travel Trust (ATT) which provides the funds to protect customers should a firm fail. In some cases a licence holder will also provide a bond, which is lodged with the ATT and provides additional funds.

If a tour operator goes out of business, the CAA will make a refund to you, or if you're abroad, we'll arrange for you to finish your holiday and fly home.

The ATOL also shows that an operator is serious and responsible and in fact it is illegal for any operator to be arranging Hajj tours without one.