Housing Scams On The Rise Again

A warning to members of the public that housing scams seem to be on the rise again. The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) says it has come to its attention that there are individuals who are impersonating bonafide HDC employees and persuading innocent individuals that they are operating on behalf of the HDC and can assist them with housing allocation. In light of this, the HDC underscores that: - All activities related to assessment interviews and allocation of housing is conducted by HDC officers at the HDC's South Quay Office. - All bonafide HDC employees wear HDC identification cards with their names, position and department. - All payments for houses can only be made at the Cashier's unit in full view of the camera. - The HDC does not employ "agents" to operate on its behalf. The HDC says it is aware that some may use the election period to prey on the vulnerability and anxiety of innocent individuals and it is therefore encouraging all citizens to continue to be vigilant and not become victims of these nefarious activities. HDC's Managing Director, Brent Lyons, is urging that the need and desire to own your own home must not make you engage in housing "deals" which in reality are housing scams. Anyone who believes that he/she may have been a victim of a housing scam related to public (HDC) housing, should contact the HDC's Security Department: 612 7432 ext 4800/4801 and immediately visit the Fraud Squad Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.