Ho Chi Minh City warns of fake documents on administrative unit restructuring

Ho Chi Minh City authorities have issued a warning about fraudulent documents circulating on social media that falsely claim to be an appendix to an official plan for reorganizing administrative units at the commune level. The city's Party Committee confirmed that while an official document exists, the accompanying appendix being widely shared is a fabrication.

The issue arose when a screenshot of an appendix related to the administrative reorganization plan, attached to an official dispatch from the Office of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, began circulating online. The dispatch, dated August 13, 2026, instructed the Department of Home Affairs to coordinate with relevant bodies to review administrative units that do not meet required standards or present operational issues.

Authorities clarified that the official dispatch itself is authentic and was issued by the Office of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee. However, they stressed that this dispatch does not include the appendix being circulated, which they have identified as having signs of forgery and not originating from any authorized body. The review process is intended to be scientific, cautious, and aimed at building social consensus without causing disruption.

Citizens are strongly advised to exercise caution and verify all information through official channels. Spreading unconfirmed or fabricated documents could lead to public anxiety and negatively impact the ongoing review process for administrative unit reorganization in Ho Chi Minh City. The deadline for completing the review and submitting proposals is August 25, 2026.