The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) are warning citizens about a series of fraudulent schemes targeting people seeking affordable housing.
In a media release, the TTPS Fraud Squad, working with the HDC, said scammers have been impersonating HDC officials, advertising homes on social media, and demanding upfront payments from victims.
The HDC said the scams target families hoping to secure safe and affordable housing. It warned that the Corporation does not request payments through WhatsApp, Gmail, or social media platforms. It also underscored that all legitimate transactions must take place at its Head Office under official procedures.
Investigators identified several tactics used by scammers, including fake Facebook advertisements offering two-bedroom homes at below-market prices; requests for upfront payments ranging from TT$12,000 to TT$13,000; and the use of unofficial email addresses with communication restricted to WhatsApp.
Both the HDC and TTPS also warned that fraudsters use pressure tactics such as claiming limited availability of housing units to rush victims into making payments.
The HDC reiterated its official policies, advising that all payments must be made at its Cashier’s Unit at South Quay, Port of Spain. It also stressed that no HDC official will request meetings outside its offices or ask for payments through personal accounts and stated that housing applications are free and processed only through official channels.
The TTPS and HDC are urging citizens to avoid making payments to individuals claiming they can expedite housing applications.
They advise that citizens verify all communication through the HDC’s official phone lines and website, and report any suspicious activity to the TTPS’ Fraud Squad.
