Scammers target residents applying for housing
The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) warns residents against scammers who take advantage of people looking for subsidised housing.
According to the metro, there is a scam currently circulating on social media regarding the handover of government-subsidised houses.
Scammers are contacting individuals who applied for housing from 1996 to date, claiming that their houses are ready for handover. They then request a meeting where they ask for the housing documents.
Once they have earned your trust, the scammer then demands a payment, promising to speed up the process.
The scammer uses Facebook, WhatsApp and Tik-Tok to spread false information and lure residents into this trap.
Red flags to watch for:
• The CoE will never ask residents to pay money to receive their houses.
• Do not give your housing documents to anyone unless an official announcement is made through the city’s verified platforms, including:
* Their official X (formerly Twitter) account: @City_Ekurhuleni
* The City of Ekurhuleni website: www.ekurhuleni.gov.za
* The City’s official Facebook page: City of Ekurhuleni
Residents are advised to stay away from the following events circulated by the scammers:
• August 28 at Kwa-Thema Community Hall at 11:00
• September 9 at Olifantsfontein Hall, Thembisa 2 at 11:30
• September 17 in Thembisa 1 at 10:30
• September 30 at Palmridge Community Hall at 11:00
Ekurhuleni and the Department of Human Settlements have no knowledge or involvement in these claims.
How the official processes work:
The process entails an SMS and allocation letter to the beneficiary about the approval, the area where they will benefit from and the stand number.
The list of beneficiaries is publicly made available in municipal facilities, not on social media. The allocation happens at the site of the housing project, not at a municipal hall.
Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to your nearest Customer Care Centre (municipal office), Human Settlements Department or law enforcement agencies.
