Human Settlement

SCAM ALERT! DON’T FALL FOR THE HOUSING HANDOVER SCAM

By Thulasizwe City of Ekurhuleni 984

The City of Ekurhuleni would like to inform residents about a scam currently circulating regarding the handover of government-subsidised houses.

Scammers are contacting individuals who applied for housing from 1996 to date, claiming that their houses are ready for handover. They then request a meeting where they ask for your housing documents.

Once you comply, the scammer demands a payment to “speed up” the process.

Beware: the scammer uses Facebook, WhatsApp and Tik-Tok to spread false information and lure residents into this trap.

Please note:

  • The City of Ekurhuleni will never ask residents to pay any money to receive their houses.
  • Do not give your housing documents to anyone unless an official announcement is made through the city’s verified platforms, including:
  • The official X (formerly Twitter) account: @City_Ekurhuleni
  • The City of Ekurhuleni website: www.ekurhuleni.gov.za
  • The city’s official Facebook page: City of Ekurhuleni

False Dates Being Circulated by the Scammer:

Residents are warned NOT to attend any so-called housing handover events on the following dates that the scammers claim are for handing over houses:

  • 28 August (Tomorrow) – Kwa-Thema Community Hall at 11:00
  • 9 September – Olifantsfontein Hall, Tembisa 2 at 11:30
  • 17 September – Thembisa 1 at 10:30
  • 30 September – Palm Ridge Community Hall at 11:00

These events are being falsely communicated by the scammers, not the city. Residents are advised not to attend any housing handovers on these dates.

Ekurhuleni and the Department of Human Settlements have no knowledge or involvement in these claims.

The City of Ekurhuleni housing allocation policy does not make provision for ‘speeding up’ of the allocation process. The process entails an SMS and allocation letter to the beneficiary about the approval, the area where they will benefit from and the stand number. The list of beneficiaries is publicly made available in municipal facilities, not on social media. And the allocation happens at the site of the housing project, not at a municipal hall.

Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to your nearest Customer Care Centre (Municipal Office), Human Settlements Department or Law enforcement.