SCAM ALERT 🚨 Gauteng residents, beware of scammers posing as GDHS officials.

SCAM ALERT for Gauteng residents who are waiting for housing help. Criminals are posing as GDHS officials. They use calls, WhatsApp messages, and fake notices. They promise “fast-track” RDP houses, rentals, or land allocations. Then they demand a fee.

The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has warned about impersonators. Some scammers even claim to be senior managers. They copy official logos to look credible.

If anyone asks you to pay for a house allocation, treat it as fraud. Government housing allocation does not work that way.

SCAM ALERT: How the GDHS impersonation scam works

Most Gauteng scammers follow the same playbook. First, they create urgency. Then they push you to pay.

Common tactics used by housing scammers

• They claim they can “move your name up the list”.
• They offer an “exclusive” RDP house or rental unit.
• They send a fake “approval letter” with government branding.
• They ask for a “registration fee” or “admin fee”.
• They insist on payment by cash send or e-wallet.
• They pressure you to act “today”.

Some messages also include RDP house sales. That is another red flag. In many cases, RDP homes have legal sale limits.

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What the law says about selling RDP houses

Many subsidised houses include an eight-year restriction. This limits resale for a set period. The goal is to protect beneficiaries.

A Gauteng Human Settlements FAQ guide states this clearly. It says beneficiaries may not sell within the first eight years. It also notes a pre-emptive clause in the title deed. This clause prioritises the department if a sale happens later.

So, be careful of ads claiming “RDP houses for sale now”. Many of those deals are unlawful. Some are outright scams.

How to verify if a message is real

Use this checklist before you share details.

Verification checklist

• Ask for the person’s full name and job title.
• Ask for the office location and switchboard number.
• Do not rely on the number that contacted you.
• Contact the department using official website details.
• Take screenshots of messages and payment requests.
• Verify letters at a customer support centre, if needed.

For national Human Settlements reporting channels, the department lists a call centre and a fraud hotline. Use official contact details from the Department of Human Settlements site.

Example of a scam message Gauteng residents report

This is a typical script. Scammers adjust it for each victim.

• “Congrats, your RDP is approved.”
• “Pay R1,500 today for processing.”
• “Send your ID copy and banking details now.”
• “Do not tell anyone, or you lose the house.”

Notice the pressure and secrecy. Real processes do not require secrecy.

Safety tips for housing applicants in Gauteng

Use habits that reduce risk.

• Never pay for placement on a housing list.
• Never share OTPs, pins, or banking passwords.
• Avoid meeting “officials” in parking lots.
• Take a trusted person to any in-person meeting.
• Use walk-in support centres where possible.

FAQs

Share this SCAM ALERT before more people lose money

Housing stress makes people easy targets. However, you can protect yourself with simple checks. If someone claims to be a GDHS official, verify first. If they demand payment, end the call.