Several state housing finance agencies (HFAs) have reported the existence of false claims circulating on social media platforms like Facebook that their HFA has opened or will be opening its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV or “Section 8”) waitlist. The scam involves posts describing programs with names similar to those of real HFAs urging people to use fraudulent links to provide personal information to access the “waitlist.” One of the states reporting the scam does not even administer an HCV program. Advocates are urged to be aware of the scam and make efforts where possible to counteract it.
The state HFAs impacted are warning members of the public not to enter their personal information via the fraudulent links and reminding people that the mere fact that a profile or website looks legitimate does not mean that it is trustworthy. Impacted states have offered the following tips:
- Never provide a Social Security Number, credit card number, or other personal information to an unofficial website claiming to provide housing assistance.
- Pay attention to the URL on social media postings. Only use trusted and verified links that you know are legitimate.
- If you would like to be added to an HCV waitlist, visit your HFA’s website or the website of your local public housing agency (PHA) administering the local HCV program. Information for your local PHA is available on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website.
- State and local housing authorities do not charge fees to be added to a waitlist, so a red flag is evident when a social media post seeks payment through reloadable debit cards, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Information about the HCV program is on page 4-1 of NLIHC’s 2024 Advocates’ Guide.