Scam targets Section 8 applicants during 'epidemic affordable housing shortage'
Sen. Richard Blumenthal says his office is investigating the scam, because it targets recipients of a federal housing program paid for with taxpayer money.
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As many Bridgeport residents struggle to find affordable housing, a new scam is targeting them, state and local officials said Tuesday.
"People have been calling us here at Park City Communities [the Bridgeport Housing Authority] asking how they can sign up for Section 8, because they've seen posts on social media claiming the Section 8 list is open now, which it most definitely is not," said Jillian Baldwin, executive director of Park City Communities. "It's sad, because these people are just looking for a clean, safe, affordable place to live, for themselves and their families, and by answering these ads, they could become victims of identity theft."
When people respond to the ads, they're asked to provide their Social Security number and other sensitive information, which scammers can then use to steal their money, Balwin said.
Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Initiative, is a federal program that helps low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities pay for housing.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal says his office is investigating the scam, because it targets recipients of a federal housing program paid for with taxpayer money.
