Fake receipt scam targets Shillong street vendors

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 10, 2024

A fraudulent scheme targeting street vendors in Shillong has come to light, prompting swift action from the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB).

The scam involves unknown persons collecting money from vendors using fake receipts bearing the SMB’s name. These receipts falsely claim to be for vendor registration, a process currently being conducted by the Town Vending Committee (TVC) under the Meghalaya Street Vending (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme, 2023.

The scam was uncovered when several vendors lodged complaints about the fake receipts. The SMB CEO confirmed that no registration fee is being charged by the TVC. The Meghalaya & Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers & Street Vendors Association (MGSPHSVA) also filed a formal complaint about the scam.

Further, the CEO of the Shillong Municipal Board has filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the office of the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, requesting action against the persons involved as per the provisions of the law.