Gumtree 'bogus landlord' wanted after scam nets £30,000 in property deposits from prospective tenants

Police believe man posed as a landlord and took cash for properties that he did not own

Police have released this image of a man who is sought in connection with their inquiries

Police are hunting for a Gumtree scammer who allegedly stole £30,000 by posing as a landlord.

At least six people were conned into handing over deposits to the pretend landlord for properties which they were told were being leased in London.

It is believed that the fraudster managed to con his victims out of more than £30,000.

Police say the fraud only came to light when the victims arrived at the properties and tried to move in and begin what they thought was their lease.

Detectives say that adverts by the bogus landlord were placed on the advertising website Gumtree between April 1 and June 19.

Police have released a CCTV picture of a man who they wish to question.

He is described as being a smartly dressed black man in his 30s, who has short dark hair and sometimes wears glasses.

He is understood to have used a variety of aliases including Adam Holt, Craig Myers, and Ashley Elliot.

He is understood to have worked with accomplices described as a taller black man with a moustache and a black woman.

Detective Constable Ross James, from Lambeth CID said: “We are keen to identify this fraudster as soon as possible. Anyone with information about these crimes, or who recognises the man shown in the image, should call police or Crimestoppers.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 and quote reference 1217609/15 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.