Philip Alexander Issues Urgent Warning on Housing Scams in Trinidad

Housing Ministry Warns Public: Don’t Fall Victim to HDC Housing Scams

The Ministry of Housing is urging the public to remain vigilant against individuals falsely claiming they can secure Housing Development Corporation (HDC) homes through unofficial channels.

In a recent video address, Minister in the Ministry of Housing Phillip Edward Alexander warned that scammers are targeting people seeking affordable housing by promising to bypass the HDC allocation process or fast-track applications in exchange for money.

Alexander stressed that these claims are false and illegal, making it clear that no individual has the authority to influence or circumvent the HDC’s official housing allocation system.

“There is no shortcut to obtaining an HDC home,” the Minister emphasized, reminding applicants that the only legitimate way to access housing is by registering through the HDC and completing the required qualification process.

According to the Ministry, reports have emerged of people posing as HDC or Ministry representatives, convincing applicants to pay money into private bank accounts or handing over cash with promises of securing homes. Authorities warned that anyone who engages in these unofficial arrangements risks losing both their money and any claim to the property.

Investigations are already underway into allegations that individuals have paid private parties and taken possession of houses that remain listed on the HDC’s records as vacant and available for allocation.

The Ministry warned that any HDC property obtained without the corporation’s direct approval will be reclaimed, with occupants facing eviction. Any transactions conducted outside the official HDC process will be considered illegal and referred to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

Alexander also outlined the proper procedure for prospective homeowners. Applicants are advised to register through the official HDC website or visit the corporation’s offices on South Quay, Port of Spain, where customer service representatives can guide them through the application process. He further reminded the public that all official payments must be made directly to HDC cashiers and never to private individuals or third parties.

As part of its efforts to combat fraud, the Ministry announced that the HDC is preparing to undertake a nationwide audit of its housing developments. The exercise will seek to identify properties that may have been illegally occupied or privately sold without authorization.

Officials said any homes found to have been transferred outside the lawful process will be reclaimed, occupants evicted, and the matters handed over to the police for criminal investigation.

The Ministry is also encouraging anyone who obtained an HDC property through a third party, received verbal assurances without proper legal documentation, or is uncertain about the legitimacy of their occupancy to contact the HDC immediately for verification.

The Ministry’s message to the public remains clear: do not pay anyone claiming they can secure an HDC home outside the official process. If in doubt, deal directly with the HDC and report any suspicious offers to the relevant authorities.