THE City of Cape Town is warning residents about scammers who ask people to pay them money so they can register them on the housing database.
Human Settlements MMC Malusi Booi said the moment a person who is not a conveyancer asks for money, residents must know they’re being scammed.
He said there are reports of people who are scamming people promising they will fix their housing challenges, including helping them jump the queue. Booi is urging residents who have been scammed to report the matter to the police to ensure the matter is investigated.
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“If you are asked to pay to register on the City’s Housing Needs Register, government housing Breaking New Ground opportunity or a plot on city-owned land, or to pay for property transfer services to any individual except a conveyancer, you are being scammed. These types of cases often affect the most desperate residents,” he said.
Booi said the scammers who are promising to assist them to jump the queue are stealing from them since it’s not possible for one to jump the queue. He said the housing needs register is well-protected to avoid any corrupt activities.
“Qualifying beneficiaries are registered on the Housing Needs Register at no cost to them. The register, which is protected, updated and audited, is necessary to prevent queue-jumping. This is especially important given the very acute need for housing opportunities across the metro,” said Booi.
