Public warned against scam using Joburg Housing MMC image
The MMC for Human Settlements in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso, has issued a stern warning to the public about a scam involving fraudulent identity documents bearing his likeness.
These documents are being used by imposters to deceive vulnerable residents into paying bribes for expedited RDP housing allocations within the City of Johannesburg.
In a recent incident, a fake ID document featuring Mabaso’s photograph but with a different name was created. This document, certified by the South African Police Service on 6 September 2024, is designed to appear authentic, complete with both front and back details.
The scammers are exploiting the desperate need for housing by promising to fast-track the allocation process. They demand significant sums of money from unsuspecting victims, only to disappear without fulfilling their promises.
“No individual has the authority to bypass the City of Johannesburg’s legal housing allocation procedures,” emphasized MMC Mabaso.
“Anyone advertising themselves as a facilitator of housing allocations on social media is a fraudster. I urge the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to these scams. Do not engage with these individuals or share any personal information with them. By exposing these fraudulent activities, we can protect our communities from exploitation,” he concluded.
