A 49-year-old man, Gullriaz Tajpuri, has been sentenced for running a fraudulent rental scheme that defrauded five families out of more than £3,000 in Nottingham.
Tajpuri was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court after being found guilty of deceiving multiple victims through a rental scam that preyed on families searching for housing. He falsely advertised rental properties, collected deposits from prospective tenants, and then disappeared without providing access to the properties, leaving the victims out of pocket and struggling to find alternative accommodation.
The fraudulent scheme involved five families, who were collectively defrauded out of over £3,000. Tajpuri’s actions left the victims in financial distress, with many having been left scrambling for a place to live after paying significant deposits for properties that were never available.
Judge Lisa Marshall condemned Tajpuri’s actions as “calculated and deceitful,” highlighting the emotional and financial impact on the victims. In addition to the sentence, Tajpuri has been ordered to pay compensation to the affected families.
Detective Sergeant Mark Phillips, who led the investigation, said, “This was a particularly cruel scam that targeted vulnerable families who were simply looking for a home. We are pleased that justice has been served, and we hope this outcome provides some comfort to the victims.
Authorities are urging anyone searching for rental properties to remain vigilant and to verify the legitimacy of landlords and agents before making any financial commitments. They also encourage victims of similar scams to report incidents to the police immediately.
