https://www.google.com/amp/s/lawandcrime.com/uncategorized/hundreds-caught-up-in-detroit-scam-show-up-hoping-for-free-houses-and-cash/amp/
For this weeks post, I read a couples articles about a housing scam that has successfully targeted hundreds of Detroiters. Essentially, people were promised free houses and $100,000 if they attended a rally outside the Highland Park City Hall. As it is a scam, there was no money or houses given out to the 300 people that attended the rally on July 4th. Apparently the organizers behind the rally have previously done this kind of thing so it’s unfortunate that they are still seen as credible. A section of the article says, “Attendees were told that if they voted to get rid of the current city council and its policies, thousands of abandoned homes in Detroit would be given to them, free of charge.” Based on my research just this summer into the vast complexities of specifically Highland Parks local government, it is so clear that there is no kind of provision for that kind of collective action. You’d need a special election or something to “get rid of the current city council”! Besides, new city council voting is next November!
Any kind of scam is cruel, but I agree when the article points out that this is particularly indecent when housing is such a sensitive topic for some Detroiters and I specifically chose this article because a few of my coworkers have actually spoken to me about this problem. We actually have a few of the flyers for this event lying around the office. One of my coworkers spoke about how disappointed he is that people would target people with these tactics, but also that anyone would “fall for it.” I agree that it’s surprising to see anyone believe this and actually participate in this rally, but hey, not everyone can know better.
Who arranged this and why were they seen as credible? Is it a nonprofit? Are they associated with government? Did your office know it was a scam? Did anyone broadcast doubts? I’m wondering if maybe people didn’t actually “fall for it,” but simply felt they had nothing to lose, feeling desperate and ready to try anything.
I’ve heard of similar situations happening in other places. In particular, this reminds me of a story I heard about politicians taking advantage of people, offering them fortunes in exchange for their votes. It’s cycles of false promises like these that keep corrupt power structures stay in place. I’m sorry to hear this is happening in Detroit.