A warning has been issued over a London council house scam which has seen some desperate victims hand over thousands of pounds to secure social housing that does not exist.
Fraudsters have promised access to properties controlled by Waltham Forest, Islington, Lambeth and Barking and Dagenham councils on social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat
One local authority said it had received a spate of complaints from residents, and in some instances, “innocent people who have ended up paying out thousands of pounds” in the hope of securing a home.
Scammers purportedly advertise houses and flats in the boroughs for rent.
The dubious adverts promise the cut price properties and ask prospective victims to contact them via WhatsApp for more information.
They claim that they can move people into a home within 12 months.
Once contacted and payment made, the fraudsters then say they are able to help with social housing applications, including uploading fake documents for those who do not meet the criteria or are not entitled to social housing.
Across London there are more than 100,000 people on waiting lists for council homes and even vulnerable families face waiting several years for a property in many boroughs.
Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking and Dagenham town hall, said on Friday: “Barking and Dagenham Council will not make such claims on social media and where we offer housing options, our residents know where to go and who to contact.
“I would advise people who are tempted by these outrageous and too good to be true offers to first check with the council or report to the police.”
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of a housing scam should contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or report the fraud to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk.
