The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are investigating several suspected fraud cases related to flat rentals in London.

The investigations center on alleged schemes where individuals pose as landlords to collect rental deposits from prospective tenants. In at least one case, a suspect allegedly fabricated a story about a family death to deceive victims and retain their deposit payments.

Police have not disclosed the total number of cases under investigation or the estimated financial losses involved. The fraud allegations appear to target the rental deposit system, where tenants typically pay substantial sums upfront before moving into properties.

The investigations come amid ongoing concerns about rental market fraud in London, where high demand for housing and significant deposit requirements can create opportunities for fraudulent schemes targeting prospective tenants.

Authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the investigations. The Met Police declined to provide additional details about the ongoing cases.