RENTERS have been scammed out of thousands of pounds by a suspected bogus estate agent.

Seven people were conned into paying deposits, admin fees and rent to a man who said he worked for 'Red Bricks Estate'.

Kevin Clingham, case investigator, who is leading on the investigation from Local CID, Taplow, said: “This scam has had a devastating impact on so many people and their families as they were promised a rental property in Slough which never materialised.

"Instead, they lost thousands of pounds by making upfront payments to a man they trusted to be an estate agent."

The victims contacted the man after seeing an online advert for a flat in London Road, Slough and later met with him at an adress in Burnham where they paid deposits, admin fees and first month’s rent.

Some were shown around the property in Slough and all were promised a date for moving in towards the beginning of April, however, it soon became apparent to the victims that they had been scammed when they arrived at the flat but were unable to move in.

Thames Valley Police now believes that there are more victims who have not yet come forward.

Mr Clingham added: “Working with Slough Borough Council, we have been able to identify some of our victims as they rendered themselves homeless as a consequence of being scammed, with some being temporarily accommodated since.

“Through our inquiries, we know that there are other victims of this scam who have not yet contacted us. This could be as many as 17 families or individuals.

“I believe that there are victims of this scam living in areas of London, not just Thames Valley, so I would urge for these people to come forward to as a matter of urgency.

As part of the investigation, the police is working with Action Fraud and other agencies.

Mr Clingham said: “I would like to reassure residents and victims that we are doing all we can to progress our investigation and to track down this bogus estate agent who is responsible for committing such despicable crimes.”

If you are a victim of this scam and have not yet contacted police, or have any information which could help police call 101 quoting the reference number 43160096940.