SC Housing warns of fraudulent claims regarding Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Program waitlist

COLUMBIA, SC – SC Housing is alerting vulnerable South Carolina households to a false online claim that SC Housing’s Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Program waitlist is opening. 

The false claim circulating on social media, including Facebook pages and flyers, announces that the “South Carolina Housing Authority” has opened or will be opening the Section 8 waitlist for properties around the state, and requests individuals to provide information via a fraudulent link or to visit SC Housing’s headquarters in person. 

The agency urges individuals to NOT ENTER their personal information via the link provided on Facebook or other communications.

SC Housing’s Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Program has not opened a waitlist. Any messaging reporting such information is false, and any information provided through the fraudulent link could be used to harm an individual’s personal identifiable information. 

Just because a profile or website looks real or legitimate and has convincing photos does NOT mean it's real. Anyone can make a convincing website or profile. SC Housing and The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs encourages everyone to think before you click a link. It could be an attempt to get sensitive information. 

Here are a few tips to follow when searching for information regarding the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

• Pay attention to the URL. Use trusted and verified links that you know are legitimate. schousing.sc.gov is the only official site for information from the SC Housing Authority. You can also find information for your local Public Housing Agency on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website. 
• Remember, scammers like payments in cryptocurrency, gift cards, reloadable debit cards and wire transfers. The Housing Authority does not charge fees to be on a waiting list and will never ask for these types of payments.
• If you see an impersonator or fake account on social media, report it to that platform. This will help prevent other people from becoming a victim. 
• If you are a scam victim or provided personal information and think someone is committing identity theft, report it to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs by going to https://consumer.sc.gov/identity-theft-unit or calling 803-734-4200.

Information related to SC Housing programs will be found on the agency’s official website, schousing.sc.gov. 

About SC Housing 

SC Housing is a self-sustaining housing finance agency committed to ensuring that South Carolinians have the opportunity to live in safe, decent and affordable housing. Agency operations are supported by a funding base that includes fees and other revenue earned through the administration of agency programs. For more information, visit schousing.sc.gov.

Media Contact: Matthew McColl
Marketing and Public Information Director
matthew.mccoll@schousing.com
803-896-9520