The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is warning vulnerable households about an online scam masquerading as IHDA or a similar housing agency, according to a news release.
The scam is presented in the form of a flyer posted on Facebook announcing the opening of a waiting list for specific properties as part of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8). The scam encourages residents to provide their information via a fraudulent link or visit the IHDA office in person.
This is not an IHDA program. IHDA has not has created an advertisement for Section 8 housing and does not endorse such a request, the release said.
A fake Facebook page impersonating IHDA has also been created. If individuals are using Facebook for housing information, make sure you are interacting with the agency’s official page by identifying the blue check mark next to the IHDA name. Individuals who are unsure can access IHDA’s Facebook page by going here and clicking the Facebook icon on the website’s homepage to connect.
Those seeking assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program are asked to remember:
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Check here to see if they are accepting applications for Section 8 housing, or how to apply for a waiting list.
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The housing authorities do that not charge fees for participating in a waiting list.
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Never give out your Social Security number, credit card number, or other personal information on a website you find through an online search.
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Visit here to see what local assistance may be available.
About the Illinois Housing Development Authority
The Illinois Housing Development Authority is a self-sustaining state agency that funds the creation and preservation of affordable housing throughout Illinois. Since its founding in 1967, IHDA has allocated $18 billion and financed approximately 255,000 affordable housing units for Illinois residents.
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