The Western Cape Department of Human Settlements has cautioned the public against housing scams doing the rounds.

In the latest about of fraudulent attempts, conmen ask individuals to pay for government housing assistance.

These scams have appeared on various social media platforms.

The department says the increasing number of scams requesting that people either pay a deposit or holding fee for a government house, to pay to be approved for a state housing opportunity, or to pay for the processing of an application.

The department adds that its vulnerable people for fall prey to these scams.