Jaspal Singh Juttla, 64, from Northwood, has been sentenced to three years in prison after defrauding prospective property buyers of nearly £16,000.
The sentencing took place at Isleworth Crown Court on Thursday, May 25th, where Juttla was convicted of four counts of fraud by false representation and one count of carrying on a regulated activity without authorisation.
The fraudulent activities were carried out between May 2019 and January 2021. Juttla had pleaded guilty to the charges during a previous hearing on August 16, 2022, at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court.
The offences involved four victims, who were deceived into giving Juttla approximately £15,790 for false property services. Investigators from the Met’s Economic Crime team suspect that more victims may have been scammed by Juttla but have not yet come forward.
DC Anita Sharma, a Financial Investigator in the Central Specialist Crime Unit, commented on the case: “Jaspal Singh Juttla is a persistent fraudster who exploited people in his own community, using their hard-earned money to fund his lifestyle.”
Sharma encouraged potential victims to come forward, stating, “I urge anyone who suspects they may be a victim of Juttla to report it by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or contacting them online.”
Juttla presented himself as a mortgage adviser offering assistance with property purchases. His clients, predominantly Indian, some with limited English proficiency, were often met at various London locations, including Southall and Hayes. Some were targeted at open house viewings.
Juttla promised to complete mortgage applications, organise property surveys, and introduce victims to solicitors for house purchases. After the victims paid Juttla’s requested fee, he would ask for more money to cover fabricated services. All of these promised services failed to materialise.
When questioned by victims, Juttla would concoct excuses to assuage their concerns. Occasionally, he provided partial refunds via bank transfer, but never returned the full amounts received.
The police were alerted to Juttla’s activities in January 2021 when one of his victims reported him to Action Fraud. Following an extensive investigation, Juttla was charged on July 20, 2022.
