Frederic Priestley has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison for defrauding over 30 people out of £77,400 through a rental scam. He falsely advertised a property on Facebook, collected deposits and rent, and provided fake tenancy agreements.
This case highlights the prevalence of rental scams and the severe financial and emotional distress they inflict on victims. It underscores the importance of vigilance when seeking rental properties online and the consequences for perpetrators.
A man has been jailed after defrauding more than 30 people out of over £77,000 in a rental scam. Frederic Priestley, 34, from Southwark, south-east London, falsely advertised a property on Facebook between April and September last year. He provided prospective renters with tenancy agreements and obtained deposits and rent payments, despite never owning the property and it not being available for rent.
On Friday, Priestley was sentenced to two years and 11 months’ imprisonment for fraud by false representation at Inner London crown court. The Metropolitan police stated they received 34 separate reports from Action Fraud in September last year alleging Priestley did not follow through with rental agreements for a flat in Southwark.
After receiving payments, Priestley would contact prospective tenants with various excuses, such as deaths in the family, as to why he could not proceed with their agreements. Officers found that significant payments totalling £77,400 were made by victims to Priestley during the period, with amounts ranging between £800 and £2,000 for deposits and associated fees.
DC Abimbola Emiola of the Met’s economic crime team commented that Priestley exploited individuals seeking housing, using convincing paperwork and false reassurances. The sustained fraud affected dozens of victims, causing significant financial and emotional distress. The sentence, Emiola added, demonstrates the police's commitment to pursuing those who abuse online platforms for fraud, and encourages potential victims to report such incidents.
Mobile phone analysis and victim statements supported the investigation. Priestley was arrested in October 2025 and pleaded guilty at Croydon magistrates court in April.