Fraud and scams - beware

Vishing and phishing – beware of phone and email scammers

Be aware that fraudsters can call out of the blue or email you claiming that you need to make a payment towards your rent account. They may already have some information about you, and may pose as Southern Housing Group staff to try to convince you to: 

• Make a payment towards your rent account over the phone.
• Request confidential or security information such as your rent account or bank account details.
• Divulge private information, which can then be used to gain access to your rent account or bank account.
• Complete a form or document attached to the email or click through to a website in order to verify your rent account

 It's important to remember:

• Be wary of unsolicited approaches by phone or email, especially if you are asked to provide any personal information.
• If you are in doubt, don't be afraid to end the call and refuse requests for information.
• If you suspect the email is fraudulent, don’t open attachments, click on links or reply. Report it to us, delete it and empty your deleted items.
• Southern Housing Group will never call or email you to ask you for your bank account details to set up a direct debit for your rent account unless this is something you have requested from us first.
• Never share your rent account or bank details with anyone.

Criminals may already have some basic information about you (name, address, rent account details); don't assume a caller or sender is genuine because they have these details or because they claim to work for Southern Housing Group.

If you receive a suspicious phone call or email from someone claiming to work or represent Southern Housing Group, contact the Service Centre on your local number or via email to report it.

In addition, you can report a scam phone call or email via ActionFraud – the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber-crime where you can report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber-crime.