The Thames Valley Police says it wants to speak to a man in connection with an investigation in which a number of people fell victim to a suspected bogus estate agent in South Buckinghamshire, Slough and neighbouring areas.
Some of the conned individuals have allegedly lost thousands of pounds.
During March and April some 14 people contacted police after they were scammed by a man who said he worked as an estate agent for ‘Red Bricks Estate’.
The victims initially made contact with the man after seeing an advertisement online in relation to renting a flat in London Road in Slough.
The victims met with the man at an address in Burnham, where they paid deposits, admin fees and first month’s rent. Some were shown around the property in Slough and all were promised a date for moving in towards the beginning of April.
However, it soon became apparent to the victims that they had been scammed as they arrived at the flat but were unable to move in.
“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. The total reported loss is estimated to be £24,600” says CID case investigator Kevin Clingham.
“It is possible that there are other victims of this scam who have not yet come forward and reported the matter to police. I believe some maybe living in areas of London, not just Thames Valley, so I would urge for these people to come forward. As part of our on-going investigation, we continue to liaise with action fraud and other agencies” he says.
Anyone with any information relating to this is asked to call 101 quoting 43160096940
