Beware the Fake: Exposing the Fraudulent Facebook Page Impersonating Oklahoma's Housing Authority

In a concerning turn of events, the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) has issued a warning to vulnerable households about a fake Facebook page that is impersonating their organization. The fraudulent page is attempting to lure in unsuspecting residents by falsely claiming that the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) waiting list has reopened, and encouraging them to provide personal information through a deceptive link or visit the OHFA office in person. OHFA has made it clear that this information is entirely false, and any such announcements will be made through official channels, such as press releases, the OHFA website, and their verified social media pages.

Unmasking the Deception: Protecting Vulnerable Households from Scams

The Anatomy of the Scam

The fraudulent Facebook page in question is designed to mimic the official OHFA page, complete with a flyer announcing the reopening of the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) waiting list. This deceptive tactic is intended to lure in individuals in need of housing assistance, who may be desperate for any opportunity to secure a spot on the list. However, OHFA has made it clear that the waiting list has not actually reopened, and any information provided through the fraudulent link could be used to harm the individual's personal identifiable information.

Combating the Scam: OHFA's Proactive Measures

OHFA has taken swift action to address this issue, working closely with Meta (the parent company of Facebook) and other entities to have the fake account removed from the platform. Holley Mangham, OHFA's communications manager, has expressed the agency's concern for the impact this scam has had on households across the nation, stating that "it's unfortunate that people in need of housing assistance are being targeted by false information."

Protecting Vulnerable Households: OHFA's Guidance

To help protect vulnerable households, OHFA is urging residents to be cautious when providing personal information, and to only seek assistance through official channels. The agency has provided several helpful tips, including:- Housing authorities like OHFA do not charge fees to join a waiting list.- When the OHFA waiting list is open, applications are made only through a link on the OHFA website.- Never provide a Social Security Number, credit card number, or other personal information to an unofficial website claiming to provide housing assistance.- Residents should contact their local public housing authorities to inquire about the status of waiting lists and application processes.

Accessing Legitimate Housing Assistance: OHFA's Resources

For those in need of housing assistance, OHFA has provided additional resources, including information on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's rental housing programs. Individuals can also contact OHFA's Housing Choice Voucher office at (405) 848-1144 to determine the status of the waiting list and receive guidance on the application process.By staying vigilant and only seeking assistance through official channels, vulnerable households can protect themselves from falling victim to this deceptive scam and ensure they receive the support they need from legitimate housing authorities like OHFA.