Home / Crime and Justice / Fraudster Jailed for £77k Tenant Scam
Fraudster Jailed for £77k Tenant Scam
12 Jun
Summary
- Fraudster jailed for 35 months for stealing £77,406 from tenants.
- Scammer posed as landlord, kept deposits using fabricated excuses.
- Rental scams are a growing issue, disproportionately affecting young adults.
Freddie Priestley, 34, has been sentenced to 35 months in prison for defrauding over £77,000 from tenants. He offered rooms in a Bermondsey flat, took deposits, and then fabricated excuses to prevent people from moving in. Priestley's victims included parents and younger adults. His defense cited ADHD and a gambling addiction, stating he was "penniless" due to spending all earnings on gambling.
The judge deemed the case serious, stating the sentence must be served. One victim found the sentence fair, though expressed doubt about recovering the stolen money. In the past year, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland reported 4,441 rental scams, with 20-29 year olds most frequently targeted.
Metropolitan Police advise renters to be wary of social media listings and to avoid handing over deposits quickly. They emphasize that fraudsters create urgency and recommend stopping to think and reporting suspicious activity. Campaign groups note that a lack of affordable housing fuels these scams, with some fraudsters illegally demanding multiple months' rent upfront.
