Jaspal Singh Juttla, of Northwood in Greater London, claimed to be a mortgage broker who could obtain big returns on investment in properties around London, getwestlondon.co.uk reported.
The money was used to feed Juttla’s gambling habit, high-flying lifestyle and love of cars.
Most of Juttla’s victims spoke limited English and were duped into handing over their cash when he presented them with authentic-looking invoices, letters and receipts.
Detective Constable, Stephen Rothwell, Hillingdon CID, said: “Juttla fed his gambling habit and need for luxury goods and cars by exploiting his trusting victims and stealing their hard earned cash.
“He had promised members of his own community that he would help them to move up the London property ladder and build the best future for their families.”
Rothwell said the victims, many of which were Indian and did not speak English, did not have the confidence to come forward because of their lack of understanding of the property market and embarassment over being conned.
Juttla’s activities came under police scrutiny when a third party referral from Action Fraud was received.
Six victims were defrauded out of approximately £650,000 between January 2006 and December 2013.
The defendant pleaded guilty to the offences and was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court.
