The Ministry of Housing and Water and the Guyana Police Force are jointly investigating a housing scam where persons have been swindled in exchange for promises to expedite and deliver house lots.
The ministry unearthed the scam after the swindlers could not deliver on the promise and the defrauded persons responded to the ministry’s recent Public Notice.
“The scam saw persons alleging that they are relatives and associates of Housing personnel, including the Minister of Housing and Water. Some of the alleged fraudsters even operated as Housing staff; taking people to various … areas and identifying plots of land that are vacant,” the ministry said in a press release. Recent applicants have also been deceived by promises to expedite the processing of their land applications.
The ministry noted that it had issued numerous warnings advising the public against entering into such transactions, yet persons continue to fall prey to swindlers. It is again urging the public to desist from handing over money in exchange for promises to expedite or deliver any service/s provided by the ministry. Instead, persons are urged to report any instance where individuals or groups have collected sums promising assistance.
