The Fraud Squad and Housing Development Corporation are warning citizens of a series of schemes targeting individuals seeking affordable housing.
Scammers have been impersonating HDC officials, advertising homes through social media, and demanding upfront payments from unsuspecting victims.
Scam Tactics Identified:
- Fake advertisements on Facebook offering two-bedroom homes at below-market prices.
- Requests for upfront payments ranging from TT$12,000 to TT$13,000.
- Use of unofficial email addresses and WhatsApp-only communication.
- Pressure tactics claiming limited availability of housing units.Â
Persons are advised that the HDC does not request payments via WhatsApp, Gmail, or social media.
Additionally, no HDC official will request meetings outside HDC offices or ask for payments through personal accounts.
Instead, all transactions must be conducted at the HDC’s Head Office under official procedures.
Persons are being advised to avoid making payments to individuals claiming to expedite housing applications, and to report suspicious activity to the Fraud Squad.
