Online scammers asking Western Cape residents to pay R2,300 for RDP houses

“The request for payment should alert residents to the offer being a scam. The WhatsApp message is one of many online housing scams preying on vulnerable residents. During 2022, the department became aware of several Facebook accounts making similar claims to assist residents to receive a government housing opportunity for a fee. In one particular Facebook account, ‘RDP House Application 2022/2023’, the individual claimed to be an employee of the department.”

Simmers said fraudulent scams are increasing and appear on different platforms, particularly on social media. They typically involve requests to either pay a deposit or holding fee for a government house. Some ask people to pay for government housing approval or processing of a housing application.

“Vulnerable residents often fall prey to these scams in the hope of being assisted or bumped up the waiting list for a government housing opportunity. In most cases, money exchanged due to fraudulent scams is not recovered. To be considered for a government housing opportunity citizens need to be registered on the housing database at their local municipality,” said Simmers.