The public has been asked to remain cautious after reports surfaced regarding fraudulent extortion of money in Hajj Corporation’s name.

In a message, the Hajj Corporation said that there have been phone calls in the name of the Corporation requesting people to deposit money into accounts of individuals to secure space for this year's pilgrimage.

People have advised to be cautious about these phone calls and any payment made to the corporation will be to bank accounts opened under the name 'Maldives Hajj Corporation Limited'.

The Hajj Corporation has said that the Corporation will not ask money to be deposited to a private account.

Recently, there was a scam that fraudulently collected MVR 200,000 from a person on the pretext of getting a flat from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). The police are currently investigating the matter.

It is known that the money collected from the victim from Ga.Villingili, was from his child’s student loan.