HUD SOUTHEAST REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR WARNS OF FRAUDULENT HOUSING VOUCHER SALES

ATLANTA - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Southeast Regional Administrator Edward Jennings, Jr. warns that fraudulent efforts to sell housing vouchers in Atlanta are being reported. Housing vouchers are not for sale but rather are issued locally by public housing agencies (PHA). The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.

"Individuals, families and veterans need to be on the alert to this scam and ensure that they do not pay for these fraudulent housing vouchers," said, Jennings. "Housing vouchers are issued by public housing authorities and if someone should attempt to sell you a voucher please contact U.S. HUD Office of the Inspector General immediately
at (800) 347-3735."

The housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income
families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. The participant is free to choose any housing that
meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.

Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program. A family
that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family's present residence. Rental units must
meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.