Police appeal after bogus estate agent cons renters out of thousands of pounds

An appeal has been launched for victims to come forward after a suspected bogus estate agent conned renters out of thousands of pounds.

Last month, seven people were scammed by a man claiming to work for 'Red Bricks Estate', who they had contacted after seeing an online advertisement about renting a flat in London Road, Slough.

He met them at an address in Burnham, where they paid deposits, admin fees and the first month's rent. Some were shown around the property in Slough and all were promised a moving in date towards the beginning of April.  

It soon emerged they had been conned when they arrived at the flat but were unable to move in.

No arrests have yet been made but Thames Valley Police believes there are more victims who have not yet come forward.

Case Investigator Kevin Clingham, who is leading on the investigation from Local CID, Taplow, said: “This scam has had a devastating impact on so many people and their families as they were promised a rental property in Slough which never materialised. Instead, they lost thousands of pounds by making upfront payments to a man they trusted to be an estate agent.

“Working with Slough Borough Council, we have been able to identify some of our victims as they rendered themselves homeless as a consequence of being scammed, with some being temporarily accommodated since.

“Through our inquiries, we know that there are other victims of this scam who have not yet contacted us. This could be as many as 17 families or individuals."

He added: “I believe that there are victims of this scam living in areas of London, not just Thames Valley, so I would urge for these people to come forward to as a matter of urgency.

“As part of our on-going investigation, we are liaising with Action Fraud and other agencies.

He added: “I would like to reassure residents and victims that we are doing all we can to progress our investigation and to track down this bogus estate agent who is responsible for committing such despicable crimes.”

If you are a victim of this scam and have not yet contacted police, or have any information which could assist police, then please call 101 quoting 43160096940.