In a bid to combat the proliferation of misinformation, the City’s Human Settlements Department has sounded the alarm over a fraudulent poster circulating on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp
The misleading poster urges residents to submit their documents to the department’s headquarters at 222 Smit Street, Braamfontein, or via email or WhatsApp before Friday, 9 June 2023.
The spurious poster, bearing the headline “Gauteng RDP Allocation Notice,” falsely claims that the Human Settlements Department is seeking individuals who applied for RDP houses in the period between 1999 and 2022 from the Gauteng province.The City vehemently refutes the authenticity of this poster, asserting unequivocally that it is counterfeit and its information entirely false.
“The City would like to state categorically that it has not issued any such notice,” says the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements, Cllr Anthea Leitch. MMC Leitch advises residents against submitting their personal information or documents to unknown or unauthorised persons.”The department firmly distances itself from the content of this deceitful poster, which is just one among several circulating on social media platforms,” she says.
The MMC notes that the deceptive poster seems designed to swindle unsuspecting residents, particularly those desperate to secure RDP houses. “The actions of these scammers or perpetrators aim to tarnish the department’s reputation by disseminating negative perceptions and undermining established mechanisms addressing social housing backlogs.
“Residents are urged to remain vigilant and familiarise themselves with the City’s communication protocols, including the official website and verified social media platforms of the Human Settlements Department, as well as those of the City, provincial department, and national department.
“These platforms are specifically tailored to engage social housing beneficiaries or applicants awaiting allocation.The department exclusively communicates directly with beneficiaries, notifying them only when there is a need to submit additional supporting documents for an application,” MMC Leitch explains.
For accurate and up-to-date information on the RDP housing application process, residents are advised to visit the official website of the City of Johannesburg or contact the Human Settlements Department directly. “It is crucial to exercise caution and be wary of imposters and fraudsters posing as City officials on various social media platforms in an attempt to defraud unsuspecting and desperate individuals,” says the MMC.
The Human Settlements Department’s official social media pages are as follows: Twitter: @CoJDoHS Facebook: City of Joburg Human Settlements Department The department further reminds residents that RDP houses or stands, and all other services of the department are provided free of charge.
The department implores all community members to promptly report any suspicious activities or individuals to the City’s Group Forensic Investigation Services (GFIS) at the Sappi Building, located at 48 Ameshoff Street, 6th floor, in Braamfontein. Alternatively, residents can call the fraud hotline number at 0800 002 587 or use the email address whistle@joburg.org.za. Confidentiality is guaranteed, ensuring the protection of those who come forward with valuable information.
