A housing scam is apparently doing the rounds in Cape Town areas, and the City of Cape Town is warning people desperate for housing not to be caught out by the brazen criminals who are waging it.
There has been as an increase in reported fraud cases involving suspected con artists targeting unsuspecting victims. Council warned that no resident is expected to pay for a housing opportunity, to be placed on its Housing Needs Register or for property transfer services.
It said anyone who is asked to pay, in these instances, is more than likely being scammed by individuals or “shack-farming” syndicates.
“These types of cases often affect the most desperate residents,” Malusi Booi, Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, pointed out. “If you think you have been the victim of a housing scam please report it to the police for investigation.
“We have recently been made aware of a number of these cases across the Metro, and we encourage our residents and beneficiaries also to contact the City should they suspect this to be the case.
“Qualifying beneficiaries are registered on the Housing Needs Register at no cost to them. The register, which is protected, updated and audited, is necessary to prevent queue jumping. This is especially important given the very acute need for housing opportunities across the Metro.”
People can give anonymous tip-offs if they are aware of illegal activities by calling 112 from a cellphone, 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies.
To update your details on the Housing Needs Register, go to https://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/HWL2012Online/.
