I can just confirm this problem still exists widespread in June 2021, and still hurts the fair gamers like me.
It is ridiculous that EA did not do much about it in many years. I have been told by other gamers within the game that there is now some auto-ban algorithm in place, but clearly it is far from enough as I still get constantly cheaters in my contest of mayors.
I do make print screens, report them, get some nice emails from support. And that is about it. Cheaters are still in the contest winning it, even in the next round week later, happily cheating and taking grand prize. It is really bad especially for fair gamers who spend money on game, that EA let their paying customers being robbed by not taking adequate measures in timely manners.
Certainly the worst aspect of this otherwise beautiful game.