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If you’re looking for Section 8 housing assistance, here’s something you need to know: scammers have made websites that look like registration sites for Section 8 waiting list lotteries. If you pay a fee or give your personal information, the scammers will take it. And you still won’t be on a real Section 8 waiting list. In fact, there is no fee to register for a Section 8 waiting list.

If you search online for the Section 8 voucher waiting list, the top search results often are bogus sites. The sites look very real: their names may say “Section 8,” and they might show an Equal Housing Opportunity logo. They ask for fees and your personal information, like your Social Security number, but they won’t do anything for you. The scammers will keep your money and disappear. They also may give your personal information to identity thieves.

Here’s the real way things work: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Section 8 program gives funding to local government housing authorities. The local authorities issue housing choice vouchers to help people find housing in privately-owned rental units. To get on the waiting list for a voucher, find your local housing authority and call or email them. Ask how to sign up for the Section 8 waiting list lottery in your area. As I said, there is no fee to register.

In another twist, some fake sites list Section 8 properties that supposedly are available. They promise you can rent one, if you pay the first month’s rent via wire transfer or a prepaid card. The properties might exist, but the ads are fakes placed by scammers. If you pay, you just lose your money.

People have lost money and personal information to scammers – but they’ve also lost the chance to be in the actual lottery. Most people don’t realize they’ve been scammed until after the waiting list is closed.

Keep these tips in mind to avoid a Section 8 lottery scam:

  • Contact your local housing authority to find out how to register for the Section 8 waiting list lottery. You’ll find their email and phone number on the HUD site. Follow their instructions to sign up.
  • Housing authorities do not charge fees, and they won’t reach out to you by phone or email to suggest that you join a waiting list. A housing authority also will never ask you to wire money or pay with a prepaid card. Those are sure signs of a scam.
  • Treat your Social Security number and other personal information (say, credit card numbers), like cash. Don’t give them out on a website you find through a search.
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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
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  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
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We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

Pattiblue
June 05, 2015
My husband is a disabled veteran, 82 yrs old.I'm 66 &disabled.I saw a list that says we're eligible.How much income is allowed?
housing ot
June 11, 2015

In reply to by Pattiblue

you need to contact your local housing authority; eligibility factors in local economics
sepulveda
December 23, 2015

In reply to by Pattiblue

What an expiience this has been for me.I guess its always to be very caustio on anything we dearvh.

MIN.MICHAEL HOWARD
July 12, 2021

In reply to by Pattiblue

Their all over my email telling I have money and checks ,but they lie
citihousing2
June 05, 2015
There are a lot of scammers on craig's list.
EE0616
June 05, 2015
Thanks for the info.
SIDEWAYSCINDY
June 08, 2015
HERE IS HOW I HAVE SEEN IT IF THE (COUNTY OF KERN) WOULD RELEASE THE INFO. LIKE ANY OTHER NORMAL COUNTY DOES IT,ON THE SECTION 8 HOUSING PROGRAMS OR ANY OTHER PROGRAM THAT MAY HELP SOME-ONE IN NEED.IT IS LIKE THEY THERE PERSONAL PICKS AND CHOOSES WHO GETS WHAT FROM WHERE I HAVE SEEN IT ALL MY LIFE HERE IN THE COUNTY OF KERN AND IT IS CRAP.WHERE ARE THE TOP PERSONAL WHO OVER SEES THESE DEPT. OH THERE IS NONE WELL I BELEIVE IT NEVER HAS BEEN AND NEVER WELL BE. WHERE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT SHOULD BE QUESTIONING ALOT OF DEPT,PROGRAMS,SCHOOLS, EXT THAT CANT COUNT FOR HOW THERE FUNDS WAS MISUSED FROM THE TIME BSFORE,BUT OUR LOCAL PEOPLE RUNNING THINGS HERE DO NOT WANT ANY ONE LOOKING INTO ANY STATE,COUNTY,OR FEDERAL DEPT OR PROGRAMS BECAUSE THEY HAVE THERE OWN LITTLE RULES AND YES THEY DO NO ABOUT FOLLOWING STATE MANDATE LAWS BUT HAY THEY HAVE BEEN MAKING THERE RULES HERE FOR SO LONG AND GETTING BY WITH NO ONE CHECKING THERE DEPT"S OUT THAT IT WORKS GREAT FOR THOSE WHO DONT PLAY FARE, WELL I AM THOUGH IT IS NOT A GAME AN LET THIS GO ON RECORD AS ME SAYING DO NOT GO INTO ANY ONE OF KERN COUNTY'S SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE'S AND EXPECT TO GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED VIA TRUE BECAUSE HANDS ON YOU WILL NOT. I DO NOT NO WHY THESE GOVERNMENT PERSONAL ARE NOT HELD ACCOUNTABLE OH WAIT YES I DO BECAUSE NO-BODY CARES. SAD BUT TRUE GOOD LUCK FOR WE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE IN NEED OF HELP.
Denise R
October 28, 2015

In reply to by SIDEWAYSCINDY

Wow...,you never received a response ?? It's Oct...thats terrible..
SikuvSociety
December 31, 2015

In reply to by SIDEWAYSCINDY

You hit the nail on the head for ALL around the Country! And that person was astute to point out the elephant in the room: the UNAVOIDADLE SOUND OF SILENCE IN RESPONSE TO WHAT YOU STATED!!! You go girl!!
VICKY ROSS
October 28, 2015
On a 23rd. I was contacted by what suppose to have been a Army Base in Qatar, had been emailing back & forth to a Army man by the name of David Mckiernand, he got me to write the army base (military basezone) to ask for a military leave for himself, a Capt. at that base wrote and told me to send my full name, address and phone number, I did not realize this was a scam when sending the info. After giving it, The Capt.A blood then told name to send $600.00 for military leave permit for General David Mckiernand to come home and to send it western union, I then realized it was a scam, on the 27th. Of May, my bank notified me that someone was trying to take money from my acct, but I had already alerted my bank before this happened, so the bank out a fraud alert on my acct. That is all that saved me from losing my money.if the Capt? Had ask for the money before asking for my information I would not have given that information to him..There is still alert on my bank acct. AND the credit card has been cancelled. I will use cash from now on..hope this will catch the people.. Thank'so for your time..
jken111
June 07, 2015
Taking advantage of our most vulnerable. Such Scumbags. Anything not to get a real job. Lock these SB's up and put them in GP............
chas060915
June 10, 2015
Dear Lisa Lake, consumer educ.,It is good to know that you are the eyes and ears of the public good. However, I'm concerned about the less fortunate that do apply this type for housing program or should have applied. Nonetheless, I'm 56 years and she my 39 year old dependent and believe me there's no sense in hanging around here we've been local already. Good day. Philadelphia, Pa.
straightwaycindy
June 12, 2015
System doesnt like my story so it kicked it out. Why cant the people who need housing the most get it?
smartie58
January 07, 2016

In reply to by straightwaycindy

Because of the people that work there..I know first hand they get there families on before anyone..They can put your name on top of the list if they want...This is what goes on in R.I
Vilma L.
June 12, 2015
Thank you for the information, is very valuable to prevent our clients and community in being victims of the scams.
Vilma L.
June 12, 2015
Great information to share.
Lisa
June 17, 2015
With me being disabled and on section 8 how much money do i have to pay for rent, THANKS
shasha455
July 07, 2015
I'm a single senior and am applying for Section 8 housing voucher. However, there're many websites out there that look like real, but are actually fakes. I was surprised it requires me to disclose my SS# & Bank account number before I can continue with my application. Later, I found out Section 8 isn't accepting application now.
I've had Secti…
July 08, 2015
When I applied I went to my local HUD office and asked for and fill out a paper application to go on a waiting list that was 7 years long. After the 7 years had passed I was given a voucher and 60 days to find a landlord or loose my voucher and be kicked back to the end of the list,but I live in Calif, by the beach. My friend, with a child, moved into a building in Wyoming and got her sec 8 in a day. The Sec 8 programs are leaning more towards them buying buildings, or building them, and instead of getting on a section 8 list, you get on the list for the particular housing buildings. I am about 600th on a list for some of the older ones. The homeless, on the other hand starting with female Veterans and working on down through vets, women, and indigent who were housed in 36 apartments, their places on the list decided and moved up and down by how many of the requirements they met. A married female vet was #1 on the list. That kind of section 8 can't be moved from that building to a general section 8 like mine where I can live anywhere in the US or Puerto Rico or Guam. It is the faster way to have section 8 and also move into a brand new building with people just like you. In that I mean there is a homeless complex, a down town workers who walk or ride to work complexes, senior complexs. I know there are a lot of scams out there, the real HUD Sec 8 people don't ask for money or personal information except what the would use to put you on a list with the right preferences. Going into a new building somewhere is the fastest way to get section 8 and the lists mostly open a few months before the buildings are ready to be moved in to.
older and smarter
August 17, 2015
how come all the well off people have section 8 they are buying apartments on "other" names and transferring their 8 from apartment A to a newly built house for which 250thousand cash under the table so I who lives of social security and cannot get section 8 look jut as example all the trnsfersthat will be coming up for the buildings 22 south 9 30south 9 40 south9
junior01111
July 21, 2015
i receive an email about section 8 application that it was open so i fill it out and i just found out it was a scamm
Patrickolearynyc
August 15, 2015
Does anyone know of a landlord in upper Manhattan or somewhere in queens (further west) or in Greenpoint that accepts HASA vouchers!? CAN ANYONE HEP ME FIND A HASA APARTMENT?
FTC Staff
August 17, 2015

In reply to by Patrickolearynyc

To get on the waiting list for a voucher, find your local housing authority and call or email them. Ask how to sign up for the Section 8 waiting list lottery in your area.

Nichelle tripp
September 01, 2015
I haveing trouble finding something im currently not working and nobody wants this program why help please
Chris Johnson
September 10, 2015
I been calling this 312-671-5757 for two hope month I been calling leaving voice mail and everything I'm trying to touch bases with this person because I'm trying to rent her unit because I will be closer to my sick 85 old father. but this people never call back or answer the phone . I'm starting to thing That Diane Gottleib is a scam, I mean every day I call this lady and no return I'm who will turn money . somebody please help
Gr8ant7X
October 10, 2015

In reply to by Chris Johnson

A scam or it's rented.and their slow to remove ad.same happen to me and I text her phone she calls right back instead.I met her@6:30 and it was the real thing.thank God. Its mine now.I live in the bay area.and was gonna move to Sacramento becuz of no call backs..good luck.I got lots of scammers emailing me.w/fake makeshift applications.beware
Jacauelinejanvier
September 29, 2015
I am physically disabled small woman who has no place to call home. I am still in a domestic violent living situation. I have asked every agency in Oregon for help, but not one has provided any help. I did everything domestic violence advised. I "stashed cash" and ran. I couldn't afford to rent even the worst apartment here. I borrowed money on loan and rented an apartment that was "too expensive" for a person receiving disability benefits. I received a No Cause eviction after I filed a complaint for the apartment being uninhabitable. I had no heat in below zero weather. My windows and bathtub were broken. My steps were dangerous and not up to code. I was physically beaten and thrown onto the ground by the staff when they evicted me. The staff beat my legal service dog into a lifeless ball of fur on the apartment floor. I was wearing a t-shirt and underwear without any shoes on my feet. I was not allowed to get clothing, wallet, ID, or any of my property. My service dog and I were transported to the hospital most far away from my apartment. I was wearing a no transport medical pendant and had an ADA approved sign posted on front door I have an extremely rare hereditary disorder complicated by physical abuse. The man who broke my door down also broke my left cervical rib putting it into an artery to my heart. The ER doctor said, "There is nothing I can do in an ER for a broken Bilateral Cervical Ribs" I had no money for a taxi and no place to go. The apartment complex is still harassing me, friends, ex-employer, and my abuser for $8000 in unexplained charges. No one has been able to get a detailed bill for any charges. The apartment was uninhabitable and not up to code. All of my complaints were ignored or dismissed. I am a small woman. I filed a police report, but the police told me, "ok in Oregon to beat up a woman for eviction reasons." I had no warning to evacuate the apartment. I have permanent damages to my body from the attack. I received a No Cause eviction for using my right to complain about an uninhabitable apartment.
Beentherenowstill
December 31, 2015

In reply to by Jacauelinejanvier

I feel your pain and frustration and sense of hopelessness and helplessness. I have been through so many similar situations, and I understand and believe every word you speak. I wish I had an answer to to this insanity that society accepts without concern! I can only say you and I are not alone or uncommon. I hope you find a way out- and hang in!
salguerok14
October 21, 2015
I have been waiting on housing since 2009 my situation is only getting worse I am working single with three kids is there any type of programs that can help me? Im also paying for child care for all three I need help im trying to prevent going to a shelter
FTC Staff
October 28, 2015

In reply to by salguerok14

You could check the federal government website benefits.gov   to see if you're eligible for benefits. You can also contact state and local social services agencies.

Concerned Oreg…
October 23, 2015
I thought the article was extremely well done. Reading the comments only reminds me that the population needing government subsidies for their housing is very vulnerable, that they really don't understand how things work. The government isn't doing enough to help the most vulnerable.
Elaine D
December 08, 2015
While searching for a place to live, i went to some landlords and rental agents who claimed to accept sec-8 and once i gave them our paperwork and fee, they said they are denying us because our income is too low, regardless of sec-8, my and my son's income, and we didn't get our fee back.
lil lisa k
December 14, 2015
what if I dont like where I am cuz i dont feel safe?
smartie58
January 07, 2016
I gave my sec-8 up when my boyfriend bought a house and I moved in..my friends ex-husbands sister works for sec-8 and got it for her in 2weeks when the waiting list was closed for over a year or more..what does THAT tell you????
Justwantahome
January 17, 2016
I have a voucher but was rejected for housing because my income (SSID) was too low. What is the purpose of Section 8 if you have to have 3x the monthly rent available. If I had that I wouldn't need section 8 . it's supposed to help people with "very low income to move in to affordable housing..she told me that they subtract your voucher amount from the 3x the monthly rent (you have on hand) that's crazy!!!
ms dianne
March 12, 2016
I dont know why me as person worked 31 yrs got disabled 5 yrs ago why in the hell i cant get section 8 for at least 6 months u all pay my rent we all fall on hard times section 8 paying peoples rent aint work a day in theor lives young people n people my age been on section 8 for 40 yrs since the age of 30 gettin over like a fat rat got Tom Dick n Harry livin there the government needs to clean house in Section 8 Dept we paying for it
tonetone
March 23, 2016
I need halp
madatsacramentosec8
May 09, 2016

this is the worst government office that i have to deal with so far all employees seem to be on the payroll and not working at all; therefore they protect wrong kind of people on sec8 program for years then moved from property to property. every place she moved in she destroyed it but having no issues with section 8. sec8 helped her moved into new house every time she requested

stacks99+2
July 28, 2016
Hello any open list at nycha or hud or section 8 vouvcher
ticktock
October 03, 2016
Riverside county California waiting list is currently open and they've been pulling 100's of names monthly based on preference. My name was recently pulled I'm currently waiting to be approved or denied for a voucher which I should know in the next 2 to 4 weeks
Steven aka cobb
May 21, 2017

In reply to by ticktock

I've also applied for sec 8 vouchers and such. ive received nothing except a bunch of bologny and nonsense from the Sec8 people and his. Where did you go? Government site? I did too. Not much yet.
Garo409
November 28, 2016
I was contacted by someone supposedly from HUD, but in fact after some searching I found it to be a SCAM!!. THESE SCAMMERS pic km out old dumb coots: like me and they think we're all stupid. Surprise we are all stupid. Good luck next time scum bags
sammie
July 30, 2017
the new scam is property management companies are advertising on the gosection8.com website knowing that most people on section 8 don't have good credit. they charge an application fee and then they deny your application because of credit.
shaytianna
November 30, 2017
I would like to get approve for section 8 and I hope to pray that the lord let me get it because I have Never been on there before
Wanni
March 13, 2019
I have been in contact one Roger A Carter who claims to be a section 8 Landlord. I have asked to provide info clarifying this and none has been provided. I have also asked to speak to as well as have real person to meet me at the property. His response do not doubt the property exist and je would not hurt me or take my money. I received an email from someone named Evelyn claiming to be Tenant Support that Mr. Carter was legit. I asked him for her phone number which also not provided.
LadyJ
April 03, 2019
I just received a text message, supposedly from Section 8, stating a "status error" and i link to a site. I havent ever received communication from them. I am on the waiting list, but i wont click any links. All others beware!
Sketchy email
June 19, 2019
I received an email from section 8 and they asked for basic information but wanted me to allow for a third party to get my number and information. section 8assistance. org . There wasn't anything showing me that I was in the system
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