Bedford man jailed for trying to sell a house he was renting
Andrew Smith listed the house as "for sale" via a fake estate agent company
A man from Bedford has been jailed for trying to sell a house that he was renting.
Andrew Smith began renting a three-bedroom property in Cambridge in February 2020, and less than two weeks after picking up the keys it was listed as "for sale" online via a fake estate agent company.
A price of more than ÂŁ400,000 was agreed with a potential buyer but when the victim visited the house they spoke to neighbours who said they thought it was tenanted and not for sale.
After contacting the police, officers discovered that many document Smith had provided to the letting agent were fraudulent.
It was also discovered that the 41-year-old had made payments to a furniture rental company after moving into the house.
After being arrested Smith admitted to fraud by false representation and entering into money laundering.
He was sentenced at Brighton Magistrates' Court to two years and six months in prison.
Detective Constable Dan Harper said: "This is an almost unbelievable and truly brazen crime, which saw an innocent buyer almost part with more than ÂŁ400,000 for a property that was never for sale in the first place.
"The investigation has been long and detailed and we have worked tirelessly to make sure justice has been served."