MHADA Files Complaint Against Deceptive Lottery Website Targeting Mumbai Homebuyers
The MHADA (Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority) lottery has long been a symbol of hope for many aspiring homeowners in Mumbai. However, the 2024 lottery has taken an unfortunate turn as scammers have exploited the system, creating a fake website to deceive hopeful applicants. This scam has caused significant distress among those dreaming of owning a MHADA home, prompting the housing authority to take swift action.
The Scam Unveiled
MHADA authorities were alerted to the existence of a fake website that closely mimics their official site. The fraudulent site, https://mhada.org, was designed to look almost identical to the legitimate MHADA website, https://mhada.gov.in, with the intention of tricking users into believing they were applying through the official channel.
The scam came to light when an applicant visited the MHADA office, claiming he had already made an initial payment for a flat and was there to complete the process. However, MHADA officials quickly realized something was amiss. The applicant had been asked to make a payment upfront, which is not part of the official process. In fact, he was even taken to a show flat in Goregaon West, further cementing the illusion of legitimacy.
Upon investigation, MHADA discovered that the fake website had been actively deceiving potential homebuyers. The site not only bypassed the legitimate application process but also directly solicited payments from users, promising them a flat in return.
The Extent of the Deception
MHADA officials noted that while they had only received one complaint but many more individuals could have fallen victim to the scam. The fraudulent site used several tactics to convince users of its authenticity, including showing a Low Income Group (LIG) flat to the complainant and requesting a payment of ₹50,000 through the fake web link. The victim even received a fraudulent receipt, further misleading him into believing he was dealing with the real MHADA.
The scammers involved in this deception were highly organized. The complainant reported being approached by four individuals, including a woman, who took him to the building where the flat was shown. They provided detailed instructions on how to make the payment and assured him that the remaining process would be handled at the time of the official lottery draw.
MHADA’s Call for Vigilance
MHADA has urged the public to avoid engaging with any unofficial websites or individuals claiming to represent the housing authority. They emphasized that MHADA does not use social media, intermediaries, or agencies to facilitate the sale of flats. All transactions and communications are handled directly through the official website.
MHADA’s Vice-President and CEO, Sanjeev Jaiswal, has further stressed that all applications must be submitted through the official MHADA website. This platform facilitates a computerized lottery draw, ensuring a transparent and secure process for applicants. The official procedure includes several steps:
1. Registration and Document Upload: Applicants must register on the official website and upload their documents. These documents are then verified by the system.
2. Eligibility Verification: The computerized system assesses the eligibility of each applicant based on the uploaded documents.
3. Lottery Draw: Eligible applicants are entered into the computerized lottery draw, which determines the allotment of flats.
4. Payment: Payments are made only after eligibility is confirmed through the official platform. The official MHADA website does not have a direct payment link during the application stage.
Actions Taken by MHADA
Upon discovering the fraudulent website, MHADA authorities promptly filed a complaint with the Mumbai police cyber cell. The authorities are actively investigating the matter to identify and apprehend those responsible for the scam. In the meantime, MHADA has issued a public advisory urging applicants to exercise extreme caution.
Public Advisory and Precautions
MHADA has issued a stern warning to the public to avoid engaging with any unofficial websites or intermediaries claiming to facilitate the MHADA lottery process. They have also clarified that MHADA does not use social media, intermediaries, or agencies for the sale of apartments or related tasks. The entire application and allotment process is conducted online through the official website, with no need for cash transactions or intermediary involvement.
Applicants are advised to verify the authenticity of any website or individual claiming to offer lottery services. If approached by such entities, individuals should report the incident to MHADA’s Chief Vigilance and Security Officer or the Deputy Chief Officer (Marketing) of the Mumbai Board.
Way Forward
The emergence of fraudulent websites highlights the need for heightened vigilance in financial transactions and official procedures. As MHADA collaborates with law enforcement to address the scam, applicants should strictly use the official MHADA website and adhere to the prescribed processes to safeguard against fraud and ensure a secure application experience for the 2024 housing lottery.
