Jaspal Singh Juttla was sentenced to three years in prison for four counts of fraud by false representation and one count of carrying on a regulated activity when not authorised to do so.
Juttla claimed to be a mortgage adviser and told his victims that he would help them with property purchases. His victims were mostly Indian and some spoke little English.
Juttla met them at various locations around London and offered to fill out their mortgage applications, arrange a survey and get them in touch with a solicitor. Once a fee was paid, he would ask for more money for additional services that were never arranged or carried out.
He also targeted some victims at open house viewings.
Some of the potential buyers asked Juttla what was happening and he made up excuses. On occasion, Juttla gave a refund by bank transfer but the money he returned was less than they had given him.
One of his victims filed a crime report through Action Fraud which brought Juttla to the attention of police in January 2021. He was charged in July 2022.
The offences took place between May 2019 and January 2021. Juttla pleaded guilty at a hearing at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court in August last year.
Potentially more victims
The offences relate to four victims, but the police believe there are others who are yet to come forward.
DC Anita Sharma, financial investigator in the Central Specialist Crime Unit, said: “Jaspal Singh Juttla is a persistent fraud who has exploited people in his own community, using their hard-earned money to fund his lifestyle.
“We are grateful to those victims who have been brave enough to come forward in this case but there may be other people conned by Juttla who have not spoken to police.
“I urge anyone who suspects they may be a victim of Juttla to come forward and report it by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or contacting them online.”
