The City’s Human Settlements Directorate urges residents to remain vigilant against ongoing housing scams targeting vulnerable communities.
Residents must always pause and verify any communication by phoning the City’s Human Settlements Call Centre on 021 444 0333. Fraudsters often use emails, social media platforms, SMSs, and WhatsApp messages to deceive residents that they have been approved for a housing opportunity, or that they can secure an opportunity for a fee.
“We are aware of bogus emails and messages circulating that falsely claim to be from the City’s Human Settlements Directorate or the National Department of Human Settlements. The latest scam involves emails sent from Gmail accounts, which is an immediate red flag. The email informs residents that they qualify for Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing opportunities in exchange for a fee. Residents are reminded that the subsidy housing programmes used to be under the RDP, but this has not been the case for more than a decade. Any communication still using outdated terminology should be treated with suspicion.
Poorly written
“Most fraudulent messages are poorly written, contain numerous spelling and grammatical errors and most importantly, request payment in exchange for housing opportunities. This is a clear indication of a scam. The City reiterates that City housing opportunities are free and qualifying residents will never be asked to pay for placement on the City’s Housing Needs Register, or for allocation of housing opportunities as well as for any related housing service,” said the Mayco member for human settlements, Carl Pophaim.
Remember: – All legitimate communication about City housing opportunities will come directly from City officials, through our formal and verifiable channels and, if in doubt, always phone the City’s Human Settlements Call Centre on 021 444 0333.
– The City will never request payment for housing opportunities.
Report: Call the Fraud Hotline at 0800 32 31 30 or email fraud.hotline@capetown.gov.za with information.
