Festive season housing scam caution

20 December 2023

The City’s Human Settlements Directorate reminds residents to be extra cautious when being approached about potential housing opportunities in the city this festive season when many are out to make an extra buck. Scammers often approach residents about housing opportunities in an attempt to steal money from their victims. Residents are encouraged to report all suspicious requests to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for investigation.

‘We are asking residents to be extra cautious this festive season and to always be on the lookout for too-good-to-be true housing opportunity requests, stokvels relating to City or Provincial housing opportunities and other similar requests. The City often receives enquiries from residents asking about the legitimacy of bogus housing related opportunities brought to their attention by scammers on social media or in person.

‘Please remember that if any person asks you to pay for a housing opportunity including Breaking New Ground (BNG) homes and plots or to register on the City’s Housing Needs Register, it is a scam. In recent years, we have seen adverts on social media about ‘RDP homes’ for sale too, these were also scams. If you suspect you are being scammed or have been scammed recently, please report the matter to the SAPS urgently,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim.

Anonymous tip-offs are welcomed to help the City protect its projects and operations and residents are encouraged to call: 0800 1100 77

Residents are encouraged to visit this link to update their details on the Housing Needs Register: https://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/HWL2012Online/

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office

scam housing BNG