Landlords and tenants conned out of £50k by fraud
Summary
A Norfolk letting agent has admitted 19 counts of fraud by false representation after allegedly taking nearly £50,000 from landlords and tenants over several years. The complaints involved unpaid landlord funds and tenant deposits that were not protected in approved schemes, and sentencing is due on 1 September.
Why it matters
This case highlights the financial and compliance risks associated with poor agency controls, particularly around client money handling and deposit protection. Surveyors involved in lettings, agency oversight or pre-acquisition due diligence may need to be alert to signs of rogue-agent activity and related tenant/landlord disputes.
Key points
- Victoria Steele pleaded guilty to 19 fraud charges linked to eHomes, formerly Prestige Properties Limited.
- The alleged fraud involved almost £50,000 taken from landlords and tenants.
- Complaints included unpaid landlord funds and tenant deposits not secured in protection schemes.
- The conduct reportedly occurred between November 2011 and June 2018.
- The eHomes offices closed in 2018 and the company was dissolved in April 2019.
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