Section 8 / Housing-Assistance Scam
Scammers charge fees to 'get you on the Section 8 list,' guarantee a voucher, or pose as landlords accepting vouchers for deposits on units that don't exist.
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What this scam is
Preying on people needing affordable housing, scammers offer to move you up or onto a Section 8 waitlist, guarantee a voucher, or advertise voucher-accepting rentals — all for upfront fees or deposits. Public housing waitlists are managed by housing authorities and are generally free to apply for; no one can guarantee a voucher for a fee. Fake landlords also collect deposits for units they don't control. The fees and deposits are the scam.
What it usually looks like
- Offers to get you on/ahead on the Section 8 list for a fee.
- Guarantees of a housing voucher.
- 'Voucher-accepted' rentals demanding deposits before viewing.
- Requests for fees or gift cards.
Common warning signs
- Fees to join or advance on a housing waitlist.
- Guaranteed vouchers.
- Deposits before touring or verifying a unit.
- Gift-card or upfront payment demands.
Example wording scammers use
“Pay $150 and we'll put you at the top of the Section 8 list — guaranteed voucher.”
“This unit accepts vouchers; send the deposit to hold it.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Upfront fees and deposits.
- To exploit housing need.
- Your personal details.
What to do
- Apply directly through your local housing authority (HUD lists them) — it's free.
- No one can guarantee a voucher for a fee.
- Tour units and verify landlords before paying anything.
- Report fee demands.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact your bank/gift-card issuer about payments.
- Report to HUD and your housing authority.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.