A fraudster who conned £80,000 from Londoners searching for rental accommodation has been jailed. Frederic James Priestley, 34, of Leathermarket Court, Southwark, defrauded more than 30 victims by advertising a non-existent flat to rent online in Southwark.
The Scam
Between April and September 2025, Priestley posted the flat on a Facebook housing group, falsely claiming it was available. He emailed victims, sent tenancy agreements for signature, and requested deposits and rent payments be transferred to accounts he controlled. Victims sent payments ranging from £800 to £2,000, totalling over £77,000.
Arrest and Sentencing
Priestley was arrested on October 9, 2025, following mobile phone analysis and victim statements. He pleaded guilty at Croydon Magistrates' Court on April 15, 2026, and was sentenced to two years and 11 months in prison at Inner London Crown Court on June 12, 2026.
Detective Constable Abimbola Emiola, from the Met’s Economic Crime Team, said: “Priestley exploited people who were simply looking for somewhere to live, using convincing paperwork and false reassurances to make his scheme appear legitimate. This was not an isolated incident, but a sustained fraud carried out over many months, affecting dozens of victims and causing significant financial and emotional distress. This sentence demonstrates that we will pursue those who abuse online platforms to commit fraud.”
Advice to Avoid Rental Fraud
The Met Police advises:
- Always view the property in person before signing contracts or making payments.
- Use the property listing details to search online for additional information; fraudsters often steal from legitimate listings.
- If securing accommodation from overseas, seek advice from your employer or university.
- If unsure, speak to a trusted friend or family member or seek professional advice.
- Avoid bank transfers; use credit or debit cards for better fraud protection.
Victims of rental fraud should report to Report Fraud via www.reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. Inform your bank immediately if payments were made, and monitor bank statements regularly.
