RDP houses scam: Human Settlements sends out warning

An RDP houses scam has targeted social media users. It encourages people to follow a website link to apply for housing online, the Department of Human Settlements has warned.

WARNING: RDP HOUSES SCAM

According to the national housing agency, the fraudulent online posts have been spotted in different social media platforms.

Locals have been warned to steer clear of following the links to apply.

“The National Department of Human Settlements would like to bring to your attention a fake FB account calling for people to apply for RDP houses online,” the department’s brief said.

“The department will never request you to send your personal information or apply for an RDP/BNG house online or request you to share posts on social media platforms in order to get an RDP/BNG House.”

REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES

The office added a plea to South Africans to waste no time in coming forward to report any suspicious online posts such as the RDP houses scam.

“We also urge you to report any fake or suspicious accounts misleading people about the application process for potential beneficiaries of government-subsidised houses.

“Contact Fraud and corruption 0800 701 701, Human settlements 0800 146 873.

For any housing applications that include all subsidy opportunities, people should only make their way to the relevant government or municipal offices.

“To apply for any of our subsidy programmes, pls visit your nearest provincial department of human settlements or local municipality.

Meanwhile, even the Black Friday shopping frenzy has been the subject of online scams, the Ombudsman for Banking Services has warned.

“While it may be considered the perfect time for shoppers to take advantage of these discounts, the dangers of falling victim to the various scams out there is heightened and can unfortunately not be divorced from these Black November offers,” said Reana Steyn.