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Rent Fraudster Caught

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A man has admitted scamming people out of thousands by fraudulently advertising his flat for rent.

Kyle Jackson, of Hart Close, Wilton, Wiltshire, organised multiple house viewings with unsuspecting victims, who he would then ask to pay £1,200 as a deposit and rent payments to secure the flat.

Once the prospective tenants had sent over the money, Jackson made no attempts to move them into the property and refused to return their deposit.

The Salisbury and Avon Gazette reported that he would send over an email or handwritten receipt after receiving the money, and would avoid questioning by offering excuses – saying he would “get the money back” to them the next week.

Jackson was eventually arrested after someone reported him to Wiltshire Police.

PC Bues, from Wiltshire Police, said Jackson was a “prolific fraudster”.

“His actions have serious, real-world consequences – one of the victims was made homeless as a result.

“There can be no justification for this and processes are now under way to see if the victims can receive compensation.”

The 31-year-old is due to be sentenced on March 12 after admitting nine counts of fraud by false representation at Salisbury Magistrates Court last week.

A warning has now been issued to those searching for housing, with police advising people to only use trusted agencies and websites that have legitimate verification procedures.

Tenants should only send money after moving in and if you suspect a landlord may be fraudulent, contact your bank about any missing funds.

The National Fraud Helpline appeared on BBC’s Morning Live in November to discuss how simple Google checks on people you are renting from with the word ‘scam’ afterwards can help flag up potential fraudsters.

Senior partner Martin Richardson explained how a quick land register check, only costing £3, can show you who actually owns a property you want to rent.

How to avoid rent fraud and what to do if you have been scammed.

Have you lost money to a scam? Contact National Fraud Helpline. Call 0333 0033218 or fill out our Claim Form.