I am looking forward to a less traumatic year this year. I never want to meet again the sort of evil scammers which I met in Wadi Musa. I trust that the Jordanian Police are still in the process of weeding them out from what is the most prestigious tourist spot in Jordan – Petra. Just be very careful. Some of the Bedouin tribes there are very powerful and have practised their art of deception for so long that they have become expert. It is the only way they have the opportunity to make big money in what is a nickel and dime business for the Bedouins, namely selling donkey, camel and horse rides and selling very often fake artifacts. They are reasonably well off because the Jordanian Government mostly gives them everything so do not let them get away with crying poor. I wish I had had the benefit of hindsight before I set foot in Jordan.
Thankfully Australia listened to me (and other victims) and have published this warning on their website for Advice on Jordan, under CRIME:
There has been an increase in the number of scams and thefts targeting foreigners, including tourists. We are aware of scammers targeting single women travellers, using the false pretence of companionship or marriage to solicit large sums of money.
Women are also vulnerable to harassment, which can include leering, unwanted physical contact and stalking. There have been several incidents of sexual assault against foreign women. You should avoid walking alone after dark and in isolated places.
Do not believe a word anyone says – especially some of the Wadi Musa Bedouins – they will do and say anything to get money. They do not seem to fear the wrath of Allah or the fate which is clearly spelt out in the Holy Qur’an about the desolation which is waiting for them in hell.
The good people of Wadi Musa – and there are many – are powerless to do anything against these dominant Bedouin families who abuse their power to dupe unsuspecting Western Tourists. They seem to think it is all a game. I have news for them. You cannot treat fellow human beings the way they are treating them without the Jordanian Law or God calling you to account.
Be very wary if you are a solo female traveller in Jordan. There were no such warnings around when I innocently visited in August 2010. At least now the Authorities and Embassies are aware of these scammers and are publishing warnings to their citizens before they travel. A few of us were brave enough to stand up and be counted but I am still owed 20,000 Jordanian Dinars by Hamza Abdulmotaleb Mohammed Alhasanat of Wadi Musa. If you see him driving around Wadi Musa in the 2004 Blue Pajero which he fraudulently acquired with my money which I loaned him to start an eco-tourism business for the benefit of the Bedouins of Wadi Musa, just remember my warnings, please and don’t go near him.
… and here’s the UK travel advice for Jordan:
Safety and Security – Crime
Although levels of crime are generally low, women, in particular, should be careful to avoid situations where they might become victims of sexual assault. Advice from the Jordanian police is that, anyone who finds themselves stranded – even in daytime – should call the police (191 or 192). The police will then take the person to a place of safety. Do not accept lifts from strangers. If you have to use a taxi and are resident in Jordan, try to use a regular driver whom you trust and keep his telephone number with you at all times. In the case of short-term visitors to Amman, your hotel should be able to introduce you to a reliable driver.
Australia has to be the best country in the world for really being able to live freely. We, Australians (and that includes the majority of good Muslim Australians) must cherish that freedom and do everything in our power to resist Shariah Law coming anywhere near our shores. I am sure Lakemba will fight for their freedoms.
hi there
so this will be my second comment on your blog, which I find most interesting to read.
yes, be aware as a single female, however I would recommend so in many places in the world – I have experienced this as a single traveller again almost everywhere I went.
I am sorry you gave your money to a person and thought they would do the honorable thing and use it as intended but honestly, isn’t this what all scammers do? This is not exclusive to Jordan in the least, or else I wouldn’t have dealt with such issues plenty when I was living in the UK.
I am not sure how this relates to Shariah Law however? Jordan applies Shariah Law only in family courts, so why this connection? In most cases it follows British Law and much more literal than Britain does nowadays..
In the New Year there was a threat that someone was wanting to bring Shariah Law to Lakemba. It has nothing to do with Jordan or the scammers. It was a passing comment because even the Muslim Assocaition was against bringing Shariah Law to Australia. Thank you for your comments.