Housing authority warns of email scam targeting applicants

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority is warning the public after scammers impersonating agency staff sent fraudulent emails demanding hundreds of dollars from housing applicants.

According to a community fraud alert issued by the housing authority, individuals have reported receiving messages sent from personal Gmail accounts claiming the recipient had been approved for housing. The fraudulent messages instruct recipients to immediately pay a $1,200 security deposit to a private landlord to secure a unit.

Agency officials emphasized that the housing authority never requests security deposits via email and does not conduct official housing business using personal Gmail accounts. All housing approvals, inspections, and leasing communications are conducted solely through verified agency channels.

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According to the alert, the scam involves several key red flags:

Emails sent from personal Gmail addresses while claiming to represent SNRHA
Promises of immediate move-in or housing approval
Demands for upfront deposits to secure a residential unit
High-pressure tactics urging recipients to act quickly or risk losing the opportunity
Requests for payment receipts or proof of payment

Officials warned the public never to send money, gift cards, wire transfers, or digital payments through Cash App, Zelle, or Venmo based solely on an email request.

The agency advised anyone who receives a suspicious email claiming to be from the housing authority to take the following steps:

Do not reply or engage with the sender.
Do not click on any links or attachments.
Do not send funds or personal information.
Report the message to the housing authority immediately.
Delete the email after reporting.

Residents who receive an unexpected communication claiming to represent the agency should verify its authenticity before taking any action. The housing authority urged recipients to contact the agency directly through its official website, published phone numbers, or an assigned housing specialist rather than using any contact information provided in the suspicious message.