Jason Arthur
New advertising aimed at tackling tenancy fraud will be printed on the back of till receipts in Argos stores throughout Haringey from Monday 1st August. The advertising is part of Haringey’s on-going campaign against tenancy fraud.
The new adverts will encourage residents them to contact Haringey’s fraud helpline on 0500 500 777 or email fraudcall@haringey.gov.uk if they have any information about fraudsters. The new tenancy fraud images will also be used on social media from August to November 2016. This is the first time Haringey has undertaken this form of marketing.
In 2015/16, Haringey undertook 136 tenancy fraud investigations and recovered forty properties that were being illegally sub-let, meaning families could be moved out of temporary accommodation and into permanent homes, saving over £720,000 as a result. Eight people were successfully prosecuted and Haringey is currently investigating a further 88 cases of tenancy fraud.
Cllr Jason Arthur, Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Finance and Health said: “Tenancy fraud is a crime that costs Haringey residents £18,000 per year for each case we investigate and it denies housing to families who really need it. Last year our work to tackle tenancy fraud saved Haringey residents over £700,000 and we will continue to bear down on anyone who breaks the law.
“Our new campaign will raise awareness of how to report tenancy fraud and deter potential fraudsters. I urge anyone with information about tenancy fraud to call our free helpline.”