Islington rental scam drains £8k as flat turns out to be a holiday let

Two friends paid about £8,000 upfront to rent a north London flat in Islington, only to arrive and find it was a short-term holiday let; the scammers used stolen identities of the landlord and letting agency, affecting around 20 victims. Most money was refunded after reports to Action Fraud/Report Fraud, though a small admin fee was kept, and police are investigating."