07/29/2024
!!!!!Please see the below information and flyer from HUD outlining scams that are targeting Section 8 applicants and recipients.
Also, be aware that there are several scams that we are seeing in our area that are listing houses for rent. The ads will try to get you to send an application fee via pay pay, facebook pay, venmo, etc. If you are unsure about an ad and if it is legitimate, please contact the housing authority!!!!!
As you are no doubt aware, scammers have long targeted the communities we serve, looking to exploit vulnerabilities for illicit purposes. When this happens, it puts our community members at risk and our programs and operations suffer damage to both reputation and trust.
Most recently, fliers have been circulating on social media advertising assistance with applying for Section 8 funding. The flyer and website ‘www.govassistance[dot]org’ are NOT legitimate. The scam aims to take advantage of Section 8 applicants to obtain their personal information to facilitate fraudulent activity.
Please remember:
• If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,
• Never click on a hyperlink if you are unsure if it is legitimate or without verifying with a trusted source, and
• Never submit Social Security Numbers, bank / credit card information, or other personal details to a website found through an online search.
Individuals who fall victim to this or similar scams can file a complaint at the Internet Crime Compliant Center (IC3): https://www.ic3.gov/. Additionally, if someone reaches out to you about a scam involving HUD, please reach out to our Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT) at [email protected].