Be alert to housing scams this festive season
10 November 2025
The City’s Human Settlements Directorate is urging residents to remain alert this festive season to scammers targeting residents seeking City housing opportunities. Each year, the City sees a spike in scam reports from members of the public in the months of November and December as fraud attempts increase across the board, in the public and private sector. Always pause and verify any communication by phoning the City’s Call Centre 0860 103 089. Fraudsters often use social media platforms, SMS, and WhatsApp messages to deceive residents that they have been approved for a housing opportunity, or that they can secure an opportunity for a fee.
‘The City wants to remind residents that we will never ask for money or personal details via WhatsApp, SMS and social media, not for water, electricity or housing. Always pause and verify by phoning the City’s Call Centre.
‘Residents and potential housing beneficiaries must be extra cautious ahead of and during the festive season as scammers often tend to approach them with bogus housing opportunities via social media and other channels. Any message making claims to assist residents with an opportunity or to register them on the Housing Needs Register for a fee is fraudulent and must be reported. All legitimate communication about City housing opportunities will come directly from City officials, through our formal and verifiable channels and, if in doubt, always phone the City’s Call Centre.
Call to action:
‘The City calls on residents to help us bring these scammers to book — if you receive a suspicious message, please report it to the Fraud Hotline or the City’s Call Centre.
‘Scammers often use realistic messaging to impersonate City officials or use fake letterheads to appear credible. Residents or those waiting for their opportunity must always double-check and are encouraged to report suspicious messages to the City,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim.
Report:
Fraud Hotline at 0800 32 31 30 or emailing fraud.hotline@capetown.gov.za
Call Centre: 0860 103 089
Contact the Human Settlements Call Centre on 021 444 0333
Business hours: Monday to Friday between 07:30 and 16:30
Beneficiaries are reminded to keep their housing registration details up to date: Visit the City’s housing offices or use official channels to update your contact information.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
