As the festive season approaches, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements (GDoHS) warns people not to fall for offers of “ready houses”, “cheap land”, or “jump-the-queue” deals; these are scams.

Tasneem Motara, the MEC for Human Settlements, urges residents to remain alert and vigilant, especially at this time of the year.

She says the applicant’s rightful place in the housing system is protected when they are correctly registered, their details are current and they refuse anyone who offers them a “shortcut” for money.

“Illegal acts benefit only those who exploit people’s hope; lawful processes benefit families for generations. Remain safe from scams during this festive season,” says Motara.

The department states that the scammers are impersonating GDoHS officials, contacting people on social media and via phone, claiming they can sell or allocate subsidised houses, including RDP or Breaking New Ground (BNG) homes, in exchange for money.

The GDoHS does not charge any fee for processing housing applications, offering land, or allocating RDP houses. It says that the offers to “jump the waiting list”, get housing “faster”, or “buy land from the department” are fraudulent.

The department emphasises that the land invasions and unauthorised occupation of vacant stands or incomplete houses complicate its ability to plan, allocate services, and deliver houses fairly and deepen the backlog.

“Criminal syndicates behind fake ‘land-sale’ or ‘house allocation’ notices will face legal consequences. If you occupy illegally, you risk eviction and criminally charges,” warns the department.

People who wish to check their statuses on the housing waiting list or for any official GDoHS service should go only through official channels: Visit their local GDoHS regional office or municipal human settlement offices.

If the public sees suspicious posts, adverts, fake notices, or are approached by people offering to “fast-track” housing in exchange for money, they should immediately report them to the GDoHS. Call the Gauteng Provincial

Government hotline on 0800 701 701 or your local police station. The department warns the public to stay vigilant and not to share their ID numbers, bank details, or pay any deposit or fee to unverified individuals claiming to represent the GDoHS.

The department is aware of the long waiting list: Thousands of families have applied for subsidised housing over many years. The backlog is real and cannot be resolved overnight.

“To everyone awaiting housing, we see you, we hear you. We remain committed to delivering. When allocations become available, we will get to you. Your patience matters,” said the department.

It urges everyone in Gauteng to share the message and protect vulnerable community members from criminal syndicates, fake “good deals”, and false hope.