The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority Warns Public of Another Housing Voucher Solicitation Scam

CHFA does not administer a Section 8 program, nor does it collect personal information or charge fees for housing services.

(ROCKY HILL, Conn) – August 14, 2024 – The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) is warning the public about a new online scam falsely promoting the Housing Choice Voucher Program as open for applications. The scam is being distributed as both printed and electronic flyers shared on social media, featuring a fabricated Section 8 logo and listing application submission dates from August 1 through August 28.

The flyer doesn’t specifically mention CHFA, those exposed may connect it with a similar scam from late June, which resulted in people visiting the CHFA office to submit applications in person.  The fraudulent flyers also urge applicants to provide their personal information through a website, which encourages them to apply now.  We strongly warn the public not to provide any personal information online to unverified sources. CHFA has not created any program for housing vouchers and does not endorse any such solicitations.

If individuals paid a fee or provided personal information to one of these fraudulent sites, they should file a police report and also file complaints with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Complaint Center, the Connecticut Attorney General Antitrust and Government Program Fraud Department, and the Federal Trade Commission.

For those seeking assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, please remember the following information:

• 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.

About Connecticut Housing Finance Authority

The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority is a self-funded, quasi-public organization. Its mission is to alleviate the shortage of housing for low- to moderate-income families and persons in this state and, when appropriate, to promote or maintain the economic development of this state through employer-assisted housing efforts.