How do they do it?
Scammers contact residents unexpectedly, often by phone, text or email, claiming they can help secure compensation or repairs for damp and mould issues. While this may sound legitimate, these approaches aren’t connected to Southern Housing or government schemes.
Their aim is to pressure residents into sharing personal information or even sign contracts that could be costly.
Scams to look out for
Fake “No win, no fee” claims
- Cold callers encourage residents to make disrepair claims.
- They often target social housing residents
- These claims can result in hidden fees or legal costs.
Impersonating our staff
Scammers may pretend to be:
- Council representatives
- Southern Housing surveyors or housing inspectors
- They may even arrange home visits to appear credible.
Requests for information
You may be asked for:
- Bank or card details
- Personal identification information
- Upfront ‘admin fees’.
What you can do:
If you receive an unexpected call or message:
- Hang up and contact Southern Housing directly – use our direct contact information here: Contact us
- Don’t rely on contact details provided by the caller.
- Don’t give out bank details or sensitive information to cold callers.
Report repairs directly to us
If you’ve a repair issue or have damp or mould, report it directly to us via our usual contact channels or Online Account. We’ll arrange inspections or repairs directly with you.
Check ID carefully
Ask to see official identification from anyone visiting your home. All our staff and contractors carry photo ID.
If you are unsure, don’t let them in and contact us to confirm – we’re always happy to do this.
Read more information about scams and how to report them.
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