A man was sentenced to three years in prisons for committing fraud and deceiving potential property buyers, which cost the victims £16,000.

Jaspal Singh Juttla, aged 64 and residing at Mallard Way, Northwood, was convicted of four counts of fraud by false representation and one count of conducting a regulated activity without authorization at Isleworth Crown Court.

Juttla's criminal activities came to light in January 2021, when one of his victims reported the incident to Action Fraud. Following a comprehensive investigation, he was officially charged on July 20, 2022.

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His criminal activities took place between May 2019 and January 2021. Juttla admitted to the charges during a previous court hearing on 16 August 2022, at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court.

The crimes involved four victims who were, property buyers, were deceived into giving a total of around £15,790.

The Metropolitan Police's Economic Crime team, responsible for financial investigations, s believe that there may be additional victims who have fallen prey to this scheme but have not yet come forward.

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Juttla presented himself as a mortgage adviser, exploiting his victims by offering assistance in their property purchases. He specifically targeted individuals, mostly of Indian origin, some of whom had limited English proficiency. Meetings with clients took place at various locations in London, such as Southall and Hayes, including open house viewings.

Promising to handle mortgage applications, arrange property surveys, and connect clients with solicitors, Juttla gained victims' trust. However, after receiving the initial fee, he would demand additional payments for fictitious services. None of the promised tasks were ever fulfilled, leaving the property buyers without the expected support.

When victims raised concerns about the lack of progress, Juttla resorted to fabricating excuses in an attempt to calm them.

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In some instances, he provided partial refunds to victims via bank transfers, although these reimbursements never amounted to the full sums he had initially received.

DC Anita Sharma, Financial Investigator in the Central Specialist Crime Unit said: "Jaspal Singh Juttla is a persistent fraud who has exploited people in his own community, using their hard-earned money to fund his lifestyle."

"We are grateful to those victims who have been brave enough to come forward in this case but there may be other people conned by Juttla who have not spoken to police."

"I urge anyone who suspects they may be a victim of Juttla to come forward and report it by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or contacting them online."