Public rental housing applicants warned of scam calls
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A spokesman for the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) today (June 14) reminded public rental housing (PRH) applicants that all PRH applications will be processed strictly in accordance with the HA's publicly stated policies and mechanism. Staff members of the HA or the Housing Department (HD) will not accelerate applications of applicants due to advantages offered by the applicants.
The Police have recently received reports from the public on scam calls purportedly made by staff members of the HA, who claimed that assistance could be offered to speed up PRH applications, and invited the applicants for a meeting in a park.
The HA spokesman pointed out, "Making a PRH application is free of charge. Applicants should report to the Police immediately in case anyone calls or visits applicants to offer assistance or facilitation in respect of their applications in return for remuneration or favours."
Staff members of the HA or the HD will not ask to meet with the applicants at places outside the offices of the HD. Every staff member of the HA or the HD carries a staff card issued by the HD, and the applicants should ask to see it in case of doubt to ascertain his/her identity. The applicant can also call the HA hotline at 2712 2712 for enquiry.
"Anyone who offers advantages to HD staff may commit a criminal offence," the spokesman reminded the public.
Ends/Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:00
Issued at HKT 16:00
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