Fraud Alert: Be aware of an Ohio Housing Voucher scam

COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Housing Finance Agency wants to warn Ohioans of a Housing Voucher scam. A fraudulent Facebook page, Ohio Housing Development Authority, is promoting a waiting list for Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Programs.

The fraudulent Facebook page uses the Ohio Housing Finance Agency's logo, and the flier references its offices as well as a website to register for housing vouchers. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency does not administer housing vouchers. Ohioans that need to apply for housing vouchers should contact their local public housing authority.

"We want Ohioans to be aware that the Ohio Housing Development Authority is not associated with the state of Ohio. It is promoting fraudulent information regarding Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Programs. Ohioans should disregard any information they have received from this organization," said Penny Martin, director of public affairs for the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. "The Ohio Housing Finance Agency does not issue Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers. Ohioans that need a housing voucher should contact their local public housing authority."

Ohioans that may have been a victim of fraud should take action to secure their personal information. Recommendations on next steps can be found on the Ohio Attorney General's website. You also can report scams on their website here.

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency provides financing for the development of low- to moderate-income housing as well as discounted mortgage rates and down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers. To learn more about the Ohio Housing Finance Agency and its programs, visit ohiohome.org.