Agent admits £50,000 client fraud
Summary
A lettings agent has admitted to fraud involving nearly £50,000 taken from tenants and landlords over a seven-year period. The case concerns failures to pay landlords and to protect tenant deposits, with sentencing due on 1 September.
Why it matters
This is directly relevant to residential property surveyors involved in lettings, management and due diligence, as it highlights the risks of poor client money controls and deposit protection failures. It also reinforces the importance of checking agency compliance and financial safeguards when advising clients.
Key points
- Victoria Steele pleaded guilty to 19 fraud charges.
- The fraud related to the Norfolk agency eHomes, formerly Prestige Properties Limited.
- Complaints came from landlords unpaid by the agency and tenants whose deposits were not protected.
- The alleged conduct spanned November 2011 to June 2018.
- The company closed in 2018 and was dissolved in April 2019.
Organisations:
eHomes, Prestige Properties Limited
Locations:
Norfolk, Swaffham
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