Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has noted with serious concern the rising number of housing scams circulating online, which are misleading and defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a voice message, spokesperson for Simelane, Tsekiso Machike, highlighted a concerning surge in scams where criminals promise housing opportunities to vulnerable individuals in exchange for payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Machike emphasised a crucial point that all South Africans need to remember: \u201cgovernment housing is provided completely free of charge to qualifying beneficiaries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGovernment housing is intended to restore dignity to those who were previously disenfranchised,\u201d Machike explained. \u201cGovernment officials will never request payment for these houses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The spokesperson made it clear that any request for payment in exchange for government housing opportunities should be treated as suspicious and reported immediately.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The scams typically involve criminals deceiving individuals into believing they must pay money to access government housing opportunities. These fraudsters often use online platforms and social media to reach potential victims, particularly targeting those desperately in need of housing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The scammers prey on people\u2019s vulnerability and their legitimate desire for proper housing, making false promises in exchange for upfront payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Department of Human Settlements is urging the public to remain vigilant and take immediate action when they encounter these scams.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe encourage the public to report any suspicious activities related to housing scams either to the Department of Human Settlements or law enforcement agencies,\u201d Machike stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The department is also encouraging citizens to use their official social media platforms to expose and raise awareness about these fraudulent activities.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 <\/span>Government housing is completely free for qualifying beneficiaries<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 <\/span>No government official will ever request payment for housing<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 <\/span>Report suspicious activity to the Department of Human Settlements or police<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 <\/span>Use the department\u2019s social media platforms to expose scams<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 <\/span>Be vigilant and help protect your community The minister and her department are committed to ensuring that legitimate housing beneficiaries receive their homes without falling victim to these criminal schemes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information or to report suspicious activity, contact the Department of Human Settlements through their official channels or your nearest police station.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has warned about a surge in online housing scams where criminals promise government housing in exchange for payment. The minister emphasized that government housing is completely free for qualifying beneficiaries and no official will ever request payment. The public is urged to report suspicious activities to authorities and remain vigilant against these fraudulent 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