Identifying Fake Waitlist Announcements
Although the Orlando and Sandford Housing Authorities do not have any open wait lists, please be aware that fraudulent wait list announcements impersonating AffordableHousing.com are circulating.
Below please find the official announcement from AffordableHousing.com (August 30, 2024). The Orlando and Sandford Housing Authorities are informing all website visitors, clients/residents, and prospective clients/residents.
Recently, fake websites and social media pages have impersonated AffordableHousing.com (formerly GoSection8.com). Scammers are creating fraudulent Section 8 lottery registration sites, making it crucial to protect our clients from these schemes.
The Threat: Fake Websites and Social Media Pages
Fraudsters have created deceptive sites using URLs like gosection8.us and affordablehousing.us, mimicking the Affordable Housing branding to mislead users into providing personal information or paying fees. Additionally, a fraudulent Facebook page is posing as "GoSection8," adding to the confusion.
Ensuring Safety and Accuracy - How to Protect Yourself
- Website Verification: Our official site is AffordableHousing.com, ending in ".com." Be cautious of URLs ending in ".us."
- Social Media Awareness: We've transitioned to AffordableHousing.com branding on social media. Any page using the old GoSection8 logo is not ours.
- Client Safety: We do not charge tenants to apply for Section 8 waiting lists. Clients should verify open lists on our official Section 8 & Public Housing Waiting List Page or directly on the agency's website.
- Official Notices: Encourage clients to rely on official public notices from housing authorities for accurate information.
Why This Matters
Scammers targeting our brand can undermine the trust we've built. Staying informed and proactive helps protect our communities.
Taking Action: How You Can Help
- Educate Your Clients: Share this information and provide the correct URL for AffordableHousing.com.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Report suspicious websites or calls to us and flag them on social media.
- Stay Connected: Follow our official channels for updates and resources.
Thank you for your partnership and commitment to protecting our communities. If you have any questions, please reach out.
Sincerely,
The AffordableHousing.com Team
Email: HASupport@AffordableHousing.com