Gauteng Human Settlements Dept raises alarm about growing RDP housing scam

The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has raised the alarm about a growing criminal syndicate in which scammers demand money from unsuspecting residents in exchange for RDP housing.

The department said these scams appear to be on the rise, possibly due to the festive season.

The fraudsters are said to have been offering residents non-existent “ready houses”, “cheap land” and so-called “jump-the-queue” deals on property.

The scammers have been impersonating officials from the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and offering subsidised housing in exchange for money.

The department has urged residents to remain aware that it does not charge any fee for processing housing applications, providing land or allocating RDP houses.

Spokesperson Tahir Sema said that the scammers have been contacting people through social media or phone calls, making a range of bogus offers.

“Criminal syndicates behind fake ‘land-sales’ or ‘house allocation’ notices will face legal consequences. If you occupy yourself illegally, you risk eviction and being criminally charged.”

He said residents should avoid sharing their ID numbers, banking details or sending money to unverified individuals.