CT Housing Finance Authority warns public of housing voucher solicitation scam

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The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority is warning people about a new online scam promoting its "Choice Voucher Program" as open for applications. Officials say they're falsely promoting this scam as both printed and electronic flyers shared on social media. They said the flyer or post has a fabricated Section 8 logo and lists application submission dates from Aug. 1 through Aug. 28. Housing officials say anyone who paid a fee or provided personal information to a fraudulent site should file a police report and a complaints report with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Complaint Center, the Connecticut Attorney General Antitrust and Government Program Fraud Department, and the Federal Trade Commission. They said people should remember the following information when seeking assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program:

• Contact your local public housing authority to see if they are accepting applications for Section 8 housing, or to find out how to apply for a waiting list.

• Housing authorities do not charge fees to join a waiting list.
• Never give your Social Security Number, credit card number, or other personal information out on a website you find through an online search.
• Contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency to see what local assistance may be available.

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