Barking and Dagenham Council is taking a strong stand against online advertising scams that deceive residents by offering access to council homes. Despite being able to obtain social housing for free through legitimate channels, innocent individuals have fallen victim to these scams, losing thousands of pounds in the process.
The scams primarily target popular social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. One particular offender is a social media handle known as @cutie_achiever, which advertises supposed rental properties in Barking and Dagenham. These fraudulent ads entice prospective victims to reach out on WhatsApp for more details, with the promise of being able to move into the property within a year.
What makes the situation even more deceptive is the fraudsters’ willingness to assist victims with their housing applications. They offer to upload fake documents for individuals who don’t meet the eligibility criteria or aren’t entitled to social housing. Tragically, victims remain unaware that they are being scammed until it is too late.
Cllr Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, expressed his concern and urged individuals to exercise caution. He emphasized that the council does not make such claims on social media and that residents should be aware of the proper channels for accessing housing options and contacting the council.
To avoid falling prey to these scams, it is crucial for residents to stay vigilant and verify the authenticity of any online advertisements. Barking and Dagenham Council continues to work diligently to combat these fraudulent activities, but cooperation from the community is vital. By staying informed and reporting suspicious advertisements, individuals can help protect themselves and others from becoming victims of online housing scams.