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Misdeeds: Scammers hit at title deed hopes

As the City’s title deed campaign takes off, with more than 2 000 deeds delivered in recent months, scammers are seemingly taking advantage, demanding a massive R5 000 payment from vulnerable residents for title deeds or housing opportunities. The City does not ask beneficiaries for money for the title deeds it is issuing as it is covering the costs. Residents are encouraged to report these incidents to the Human Settlements Call Centre or visit the kiosk or report it to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

'The City was made aware of this latest scamming attempt when a resident contacted the City's Call Centre to enquire about the R5 000 she'd been asked to deposit to obtain her title deed. The staff member informed the resident that the City did not require payment for the title deeds it was delivering to beneficiaries. In addition, she was advised to report the incident to the SAPS. In fact, beneficiaries of City housing opportunities, and title deeds, do not have to pay anything to receive their opportunities. 'Over the past few months, the City has been on a mission to deliver title deeds to residents across the metro. We have been tracking and tracing qualifying residents and have been visiting identified areas to deliver to the doorsteps of qualifying beneficiaries. Title deeds prove ownership and are important documents for financial transactions, including wills and loans. Issuing title deeds to beneficiaries represents our commitment to providing security of tenure and unlocking opportunities for residents.'It is unfortunate that criminals are taking the positivity of title deeds and the momentum of our campaign and using it to take advantage of residents, some of who are among the most vulnerable in our communities. We will not be deterred, but residents must be vigilant. If they fall for such scams, they hardly ever get their money back. We encourage residents to approach us about obtaining their title deed through the correct channels and also to let us know if anyone asks for payment in exchange for a deed, or housing opportunity. Together we can build Cape Town safely and without any criminal interference,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim. What you need to knowIf you or a family member is a beneficiary of a City unit without a title deed, here's what you need to do:<ul><li>Identify our easily recognisable title deed agents visiting your area.</li><li>Have the following documents ready:</li><ul><li>Owner ID and spouse ID (if applicable).</li><li>Marriage certificate (if applicable).</li><li>In the event of a death, provide a Letter of Authority, Death Certificate, or Will. If you missed the team, bring along the required documents and visit us at the Cape Town Civic Centre, 2nd Floor Human Settlements Kiosk on Monday to Friday between 09:00 – 12:00. For more information or if you want to verify that the agents are legitimate, contact 021 444 0333 or email <a href="mailto:title.deeds@capetown.gov.za" target="_blank">title.deeds@capetown.gov.za</a> or visit your local housing office. The title deed email request must include the following information: Subject: Erf number and Area Body of the email: • Name and Surname: (The name in which the title deed is registered) • ID number • Address Contact the Human Settlements Call Centre on 021 444 0333 Monday to Friday between 07:30 and 16:30 End</li></ul></ul>

2024-08-21T22:00:00Z

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