Beware of rental accommodation scammers
As the new year gets into full swing, many people are expected to flock the Inner-city looking for accommodation.
Recently, this booming market of prospective tenants has been a target for criminal elements.
The Johannesburg Social Housing Company, Joshco, would like to bring to the attention of the public a scam operation regarding Princess Plot Social Housing accommodation.
“It has come to our attention that there are deceitful individuals who are taking advantage of vulnerable individuals seeking affordable housing accommodations.
We are aware of the matter, and we have reported it to the relevant stakeholders,” said the organization in a statement.
According to Joshco, these scammers pose as agents or Joshco employees, advertising fake social housing rental properties and demanding upfront payments or deposits to secure the accommodation.
The scammers also request that victims deposit money on their personal banking details. Joshco only uses an official banking account for all deposits and rental payments.
“We strongly urge individuals seeking social housing accommodations to exercise caution and be vigilant. It is crucial to verify the legitimacy of the information before making any payments or sharing personal information.
We are committed to transparency and ensuring that our valued tenants and potential residents have access to accurate information.
Once the construction is complete and the property is ready for leasing, we share updates on our official social media platforms, such as Facebook (@Joshcorentals), Twitter (@Myjoshco), and the Joshco app, which is available on both the App Store and Play Store.
It is important to note that Joshco will exclusively use its official channels to advertise the vacant units.
We want to assure our community that we will never utilize anyone’s personal social media accounts for advertising vacant units or projects,” Joshco stated.
To verify the authenticity of information shared on social media, please check against our official platforms, or contact us via WhatsApp at 066 511 7139 or by phone at 011 406 7300. The leasing administrators will not demand upfront payments or sensitive information without proper documentation and official processes.
If you suspect that you have encountered a scam or have come across any suspicious activity related to social housing rental accommodation, Joshco encourage anyone to report it to the Anti-Corruption hotline at 0800 701 701 or visit Whistle@joburg.org.za.
Additionally, please share your experiences with others to raise awareness and prevent others from falling victim to these scams.
“Your safety and security are of the utmost importance to us. Stay informed, stay cautious, and always trust your instincts when it comes to securing social housing rental accommodation,” Joshco concluded.
