Ajay Ahuja On Inside Out, London- Property Scam
04 Nov 2009Anyone watch “Inside Out, London” On BBC, Monday (2nd November, 2009)? It was rather interesting.
The first half of the show was an investigation about a property dealer offering bargains that are apparently too good to be true. It was quite amusing when the “dealer” they were investigating turned out to be someone I know, or at least someone I have communicated with personally on various occasions in the past, Ajay Ahuja. I’ve written about him and the services he offers in the past, No money down deals.
I know a lot of people have heard of him; he’s quite well established in the BTL industry. He’s known for building a £15m property portfolio from just £500. More notoriously, however, he’s also managed to develop a reputation as a bit of a scam artist, by swindling people out of their cash with his “no money down” deals.
Ajay’s services include sourcing BMV (below market value) properties for a fee to investors. Apparently the deals aren’t always that great, and in some cases, the valuations his team put on properties are drastically off the mark.
Ajay used to advertise on my website, and we used to communicate via email and phone. He seemed like a reasonable guy on face value. I’ve never had any problems with him, but then again, I’ve never purchased anything from him. However, there’s always been bad publicity about him around the internet, so I was always dubious about his practises.
If you missed the episode, you can watch it here:
Your thoughts?
I had a few thoughts. I didn’t think his car was that great- I would have let the debt recovery agent take it. It didn’t look like it was worth more than his debt. It looked like an old shape Mercedes, which I wouldn’t expect a man worth 15m to drive. I’m assuming he isn’t all that liquid, so a lot of his wealth is just on paper. But he managed to squeeze 14k out of his arse to pay his debts, so he must have some money laying around. Just to clarify, Ajay always paid me on time. No worries there *thumbs up*
In the specific cases shown in the video, the punters didn’t get what they paid for. They paid for BMV properties, which never surfaced for one reason or another. But I have to put some blame on the punters. I mean, they paid for a list of BMV properties without knowing any information regarding the properties. That screams out “high risk”. Why would anyone do that? Seems like suicide to me.
I’m going to reserve judgement about his practises because I’m sure he has a long list of satisfied and unsatisfied cases, and each deal carries it’s own circumstances.
But let’s give credit where credit is due. His ethics in business may not be up to scratch, but the guy has taste. Check out his sexy house and partner…
Anyone had any dealings with the Ajay group, good or bad? I’d love to hear your story.
Update (08/11/2009)
Ajay responded to the report on his website.
Here’s the basic rundown of what he said:
- 1. The BBC refused to show any interviews with happy clients we have (and we have plenty of them!)
- 2. I do have staff! There are 10 of us excluding me who all assist in finding deals for my clients.
- 3. We worked with every single client that was shown on the programme to get to a resolution on each of their deals.
- 4. The county court judgements obtained by the clients were obtained by default. This means there was no court case. When you do not recive court papers how can you defend them? I have managed to set one of them aside (November 5th) and I am in the process of setting the other one aside. These will then be fully defended in court. I have been advised by my solicitor that I have a very strong case.
- 5. Buying property with little or no money requires persistence. Things can and do go wrong. We are there to guide the transaction away from failure. If it does fail we simply find a client another deal.
Do you know what? I can actually believe all that, and consequently I do sympathise. I’m not saying he offers a good or bad service, because I wouldn’t know, but I am saying that no matter how you invest in property, there is always going to be a degree of risk. It’s up to you, the investor, to take responsibility and use a bit of common sense.
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Talk / 35 Comments left so far
sycorax wrote this on 2009-11-05 19:13:01
I saw this prog too, and I could not BELIEVE the punters did not visit their properties first. Am I missing something? How can someone chuck away their cash and trust someone with that amount of dosh without at least viewing? It's dumbarumba! Worse than those muggles that cruise up after the auction in the puntastic prog 'Homes Under the Hammer' and say they bought it without viewing. Risky! Wish I had the cash to risk!
Plus his stationery was well tacky.
Plus his stationery was well tacky.
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Ajay Ahuja wrote this on 2009-11-07 23:06:16
Hi,
Here is my response to that programme:
http://www.ahuja.co.uk/property-news/property-headlines/let-down-by-auntie-beeb/
Ajay
Here is my response to that programme:
http://www.ahuja.co.uk/property-news/property-headlines/let-down-by-auntie-beeb/
Ajay
3
jools wrote this on 2009-11-08 14:45:14
Ajay -
Its the media! I used to work foe a Japanese camera importer back in the early 90's and I think it was watchdog who gave us a going over due to one of our products being a tad 'leaky'! They did not use any of the technical info we sent them - much easier to make it up as they go along to make good TV.
Whilst I feel sorry for you in the way this has happened I think that you work in an industry where image is everything and given the recent issues with people losing money due to the 'investemnt schemes' offered by certain companies you may need to hire a publicist to help you through.
The problem is that everyone wants to get rich quick and see property as an ideal vehicle to do it even though they have no idea of business and the risks involved. I hate people who bleat on and on about how they have been 'fleeced' when it is their own fault for going for it in the first place = afterall they could have said no!
Now - I am not condoning your methods of business or slating them - I do not know you - I have not used your services (I have read one of your books however) but I think that you will have a rough few months ahead. You are a business man - its all part of the game!
Good luck
Jools
PS got a number for Max Clifford?
Its the media! I used to work foe a Japanese camera importer back in the early 90's and I think it was watchdog who gave us a going over due to one of our products being a tad 'leaky'! They did not use any of the technical info we sent them - much easier to make it up as they go along to make good TV.
Whilst I feel sorry for you in the way this has happened I think that you work in an industry where image is everything and given the recent issues with people losing money due to the 'investemnt schemes' offered by certain companies you may need to hire a publicist to help you through.
The problem is that everyone wants to get rich quick and see property as an ideal vehicle to do it even though they have no idea of business and the risks involved. I hate people who bleat on and on about how they have been 'fleeced' when it is their own fault for going for it in the first place = afterall they could have said no!
Now - I am not condoning your methods of business or slating them - I do not know you - I have not used your services (I have read one of your books however) but I think that you will have a rough few months ahead. You are a business man - its all part of the game!
Good luck
Jools
PS got a number for Max Clifford?
4
HB wrote this on 2009-11-09 12:57:16
Only contact is from Ajay's site - no doubt he's successful and to be fair has some good shared information on his site.
People cannot be scammed if they use a modicum of sense.
Rule is take responsibility and CHECK IT OUT - whether a BMV property, internet fraud etc. Greed colours brain cells I'm afraid!
My only negative is wish he didn't send so many emails each day - some are relevant but to see the good you have to tolerate a lot of unessential, time consuming stuff.
Thanks for all your good content!
People cannot be scammed if they use a modicum of sense.
Rule is take responsibility and CHECK IT OUT - whether a BMV property, internet fraud etc. Greed colours brain cells I'm afraid!
My only negative is wish he didn't send so many emails each day - some are relevant but to see the good you have to tolerate a lot of unessential, time consuming stuff.
Thanks for all your good content!
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The Landlord wrote this on 2009-11-09 13:11:24
I totally agree, HB.
People really do need to take responsbility for their own actions, and use a bit of common sense.
Like I said, I'm sure Ajay has both satisfied and unsatisfied customers, but that's the nature of the beast, with any business.
It's sad that the report was so one-sided though, and they didn't give Ajay the opportunity to fight his case.
haha, totally agree on the overkill on emails! It does make me laugh though.
People really do need to take responsbility for their own actions, and use a bit of common sense.
Like I said, I'm sure Ajay has both satisfied and unsatisfied customers, but that's the nature of the beast, with any business.
It's sad that the report was so one-sided though, and they didn't give Ajay the opportunity to fight his case.
haha, totally agree on the overkill on emails! It does make me laugh though.
6
The Landlord wrote this on 2009-11-09 13:14:40
@Ajay,
Thanks for sharing the link. The story seems like it was pretty one-sided, which is typical of the media. I hope it hasn't wrongfully affected your business too much.
Kind regards
Thanks for sharing the link. The story seems like it was pretty one-sided, which is typical of the media. I hope it hasn't wrongfully affected your business too much.
Kind regards
7
mj wrote this on 2009-11-09 16:01:24
The unfortunate thing is that the details of the property are not given to you until you hand over your money.
You are given the impression that full duediligence has been carried out, but that does not seem to be the case.
Then when you ring the customer service office to find out any further info, you are met with a brick wall.
I am guessing that the intention is to get your money, then abandon you when the deal fails.
You are given the impression that full duediligence has been carried out, but that does not seem to be the case.
Then when you ring the customer service office to find out any further info, you are met with a brick wall.
I am guessing that the intention is to get your money, then abandon you when the deal fails.
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Vishnu Singh wrote this on 2009-11-17 00:49:42
I believe it is ashame you have to face such indignities. It is so easy to ruin and tarnish a man's reputation and leave him crushed. History can prove that it is human nature to do so. People always try to bring you down when you are at the top. ENVY - pure and simple.
One of the main problems Ajay, is the fact that most people don't have vision and foresight much like yourself. If they did, they wouldn't need to come to you in the first place. They actually believe they can part with a fee and become rich overnight. Also, they believe the onus is on you to make them rich. How ridiculous.
Sadly, I feel, however, you are in for much problems in the near future. What you are offering is too good for the competition. It seems there is only one thing to do - Get Rid of You Quick.
Be careful.
One of the main problems Ajay, is the fact that most people don't have vision and foresight much like yourself. If they did, they wouldn't need to come to you in the first place. They actually believe they can part with a fee and become rich overnight. Also, they believe the onus is on you to make them rich. How ridiculous.
Sadly, I feel, however, you are in for much problems in the near future. What you are offering is too good for the competition. It seems there is only one thing to do - Get Rid of You Quick.
Be careful.
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Ajay wrote this on 2009-11-17 00:54:03
cheers vishnu. you just have to be strong and come out fighting!
Ajay
Ajay
10
bernard wrote this on 2009-11-23 22:33:38
I read all the books got his dvd's etc... and decided I would go it alone.
I am now on my 7th property ( started july 09).
I must thank Ajay after reading his stuff it gave me that little extra shove I needed to get started...
THANK YOU AJAY the money I paid to you for the above was well worth it.
However having been offered 'some deals' I decided ( with my wife) that I did need to see and appraise the property's being offered.
As the saying goes 'if it looks/sounds to good to be true..
A lot of these moaning people are hoping to spend a few quid and get rich over night... get real people.
As you labour so shall you reap.
Best wishes Ajay.
always remember that the first loss is the best loss... not sure how 'rich' you are but reading no gas certs etc.. why ? I get mine done for £50 and Electric for £100 and I get these done before any improvements are started.... My golden rule is to keep my desk clear of paperwork.
I am now on my 7th property ( started july 09).
I must thank Ajay after reading his stuff it gave me that little extra shove I needed to get started...
THANK YOU AJAY the money I paid to you for the above was well worth it.
However having been offered 'some deals' I decided ( with my wife) that I did need to see and appraise the property's being offered.
As the saying goes 'if it looks/sounds to good to be true..
A lot of these moaning people are hoping to spend a few quid and get rich over night... get real people.
As you labour so shall you reap.
Best wishes Ajay.
always remember that the first loss is the best loss... not sure how 'rich' you are but reading no gas certs etc.. why ? I get mine done for £50 and Electric for £100 and I get these done before any improvements are started.... My golden rule is to keep my desk clear of paperwork.
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Sam wrote this on 2009-11-24 07:25:07
Crikey 7 properties and you only started July this year!
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bernard wrote this on 2009-12-09 22:49:53
everyone gone away for Christmas
Of course Ajay is monitoring this page ... he is a business man..
Of course Ajay is monitoring this page ... he is a business man..
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twattybollocks wrote this on 2009-12-24 16:53:13
Happy Christmas Ajay!
Hope you have a great one and open an extra bottle of Mr Cristal this year!!
Twatty
PS: As I have been a fervant supporter of you this year any chance of loaning me a bob or two? Given the fact that everyone is bleating on about you having kept their deposits I am sure you would like to help a poor lonely landlord who is down to his very last bottle of 1996 Cristal Rose. xx
Hope you have a great one and open an extra bottle of Mr Cristal this year!!
Twatty
PS: As I have been a fervant supporter of you this year any chance of loaning me a bob or two? Given the fact that everyone is bleating on about you having kept their deposits I am sure you would like to help a poor lonely landlord who is down to his very last bottle of 1996 Cristal Rose. xx
14
lh wrote this on 2010-01-07 21:35:02
It's a real shame that the media has nothing better to do then slate a chap who has worked hard for what he has. I mean this chap has two best selling books out there!!! It's a case of sour grapes. Besides I've looked into Ajay's offerings, he's not promising miracles, just good leads. Anyone in their right mind would do their homework before entering into any deal. Two of the so called clients in the doco looked dumbfounded to find out the numbers didn't stack up!.
Ajay's company is just as reputable as the rest of them out there.
I'm sorry that they picked on you Ajay.
All the best.
Ajay's company is just as reputable as the rest of them out there.
I'm sorry that they picked on you Ajay.
All the best.
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ed wrote this on 2010-01-07 22:05:44
Hi LH,
I think you are missing the point.
It is impossible to do your homework when you are given just a one page report on the property that gives you such a vague idea of location & with LHA rates based on a perfect case scenario.
If the report actually gave you all the relevant info such as address or even just the postcode, people would have a much better chance of doing there homework before handing over a penny.
So many of the figures quoted on the report are guesstimates rather than accurate info.
But once you find this out, you have paid for the report & lost any hope of getting the money back.
I had a near miss when ajay was punting out a pile of "deals" that had compulsory purchase orders on them.
Shows how little research his team of professional sourcers actually do!!!
Ed
I think you are missing the point.
It is impossible to do your homework when you are given just a one page report on the property that gives you such a vague idea of location & with LHA rates based on a perfect case scenario.
If the report actually gave you all the relevant info such as address or even just the postcode, people would have a much better chance of doing there homework before handing over a penny.
So many of the figures quoted on the report are guesstimates rather than accurate info.
But once you find this out, you have paid for the report & lost any hope of getting the money back.
I had a near miss when ajay was punting out a pile of "deals" that had compulsory purchase orders on them.
Shows how little research his team of professional sourcers actually do!!!
Ed
16
darren waring wrote this on 2010-01-26 19:31:51
If you have any problems with ajay ahuja contact a solicitor called paul shamplina hes on ahujas case and he has plenty to go on.Take good advice keep away from him
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Mark Barrow wrote this on 2010-01-28 17:34:48
I haven't actually had any specific dealings with Ajay's organisation on property, but I did take him up on his offer to buy his CD/DVD set and subscribe to his newsletters (many of which are regurgitated from more than 12 months ago!). Part of that deal was free access to his membership section and as long as you canceled within 30 days you wouldn't be charged further (in theory!!). Despite my canceling within days of receiving the material they have still taken 4 x £29.99 (total £119.96). I have emailed several times requesting a refund to all the addresses I can find and did get one response from 'Hana' informing me I should have canceled from my Paypal account (although this was never mentioned), but still no refund or confirmation of when this might be forthcoming (that was over a week ago). If you are monitoring this site Ajay and run a genuine honest organisation can you please get my money back to me by return and explain why none of the '10 people who work for you' are able to respond to emails? Mark
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NITINBABU VRAJLAL wrote this on 2010-02-26 20:01:26
Hi,
I am still alive after being dealing with Ajay Ahuja Company to whom i paid for 2 deals in my area (leicester) since almost 2 years,got refund for 1 deal but the second is in the court.I would like to meet this huy after this case finish and to say some tough words that he will learn something new and one among this is HONESTY and i dont think he ever heard of this EVER in his bloody life!!!be carefull when dealing with this guy
I am still alive after being dealing with Ajay Ahuja Company to whom i paid for 2 deals in my area (leicester) since almost 2 years,got refund for 1 deal but the second is in the court.I would like to meet this huy after this case finish and to say some tough words that he will learn something new and one among this is HONESTY and i dont think he ever heard of this EVER in his bloody life!!!be carefull when dealing with this guy
19
Chuttha Singh wrote this on 2010-03-14 06:50:08
What a wanker. If his "deals" are that good, why isnt he snapping them up himself?
DICK.
DICK.
20
nike wrote this on 2010-04-12 17:55:36
i believe people should take responsibilities for their action it is your responsibilities like anything you do in life to make sure you investigate thoroughly before you make any investment decision anything to do with money you can not afford to trust or take people words for it you should always do your home work in particular when investing a large amount of money as money do not grow on tree or can be pick up on the road nothing come easy in life even when you have the capital u still need to put in some hard work before you can make any money in anything you do.
21
NITINBABU VRAJLAL wrote this on 2010-04-12 21:19:28
I think you are not able to understand a conned person s feeling and from your post i feel that you have not been conned anytime in your life thats why you are writing this and showing your immature posture in this forum so if you cant respect to other people who has been conned then i am sorry to say but i do not wish you the same luck i had.By saying this you can see the difference between us.this is words of a offended person with your posting.Please next time do not do this because i am tolerant but some day you can find some person who gets annoyed with your post and then.................
sorry
NITINBABU VRAJLAL
sorry
NITINBABU VRAJLAL
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oprince27@aol.com wrote this on 2010-04-13 10:57:44
sorry for my harsh writting i do not mean to offend you.
23
darren waring wrote this on 2010-04-17 20:29:45
Does any one know his address i know he lives in march in cambridgeshire just go round and ask for your money
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Samlir wrote this on 2010-04-26 13:31:58
Hi
If any one out there is still using this guy for their deals please can you let me know.Also if anyone is in the process of deals going through i have a proposition for you
Please contact me on samlir6@googlemail.com
If any one out there is still using this guy for their deals please can you let me know.Also if anyone is in the process of deals going through i have a proposition for you
Please contact me on samlir6@googlemail.com
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Sam wrote this on 2010-04-30 06:40:10
have just posted a new entry on my blog - Why you won’t find the REAL property experts at network events
http://wp.me/pCIxO-1g
http://wp.me/pCIxO-1g
26
Kamran wrote this on 2010-04-30 11:39:14
Wow...I am surprised there are so many of you defending him here!!! Just type in Ajay Ahuja scam into Google, and you will see how many people this guy has allegedly scammed.
I happened to stumble upon his website a few months ago, and it all seemed to be VERY convincing. Almost like a guaranteed way of making money. Of course, I knew not to trust someone so easily - but when you think that you will be paying thousands for a lead, you tend to think you will get good value for money!!
Obviously not - as the latest Sky investigation shows about this guy.
Yes people are naive, but the fact is that his website, emails etc. are done in such a way to probably persuade a NOVICE - they are not there for experienced buyers from what i can tell, which is why I believe he is trying to make a quick buck.
I happened to stumble upon his website a few months ago, and it all seemed to be VERY convincing. Almost like a guaranteed way of making money. Of course, I knew not to trust someone so easily - but when you think that you will be paying thousands for a lead, you tend to think you will get good value for money!!
Obviously not - as the latest Sky investigation shows about this guy.
Yes people are naive, but the fact is that his website, emails etc. are done in such a way to probably persuade a NOVICE - they are not there for experienced buyers from what i can tell, which is why I believe he is trying to make a quick buck.
27
Twattybollocks wrote this on 2010-05-04 12:22:35
Hey Ajay - since you did not reply to my posting 14 (or send me a few bob as requested) I have changed my mind about you.
When you get involved in a public debate about your business (as you have on various pages on this website, and dont complain about the abuse then (what you call abuse is different to what I am reading which is honest hard working people being allegedly ripped off by you and your company)how can you start to complain when it suits you?
You have already accepted the original comments by replying to them you moron.
You are acting like a spoiled little kid who has been caught with his hands in the cookie jar. If you did not want your business/personal ethics washed or scrutinised in public then you should have run your company better and employed Max Clifford to oversee your public profile and PR.
Your complaint should be with SKY/BBC and not with The Landlord. Stop acting like an idiot and allow people their say OR stop acting like a twat and sort your business out. You really are making yourself look like an idiot..
Twattybollocks
PS: before you start blaming The Landlord - these are my personal thoughts and not his. It's not illegal to speak ones mind and as I have never 'done a deal' with you there would appear to be fuck all you can do so suck my dick!
When you get involved in a public debate about your business (as you have on various pages on this website, and dont complain about the abuse then (what you call abuse is different to what I am reading which is honest hard working people being allegedly ripped off by you and your company)how can you start to complain when it suits you?
You have already accepted the original comments by replying to them you moron.
You are acting like a spoiled little kid who has been caught with his hands in the cookie jar. If you did not want your business/personal ethics washed or scrutinised in public then you should have run your company better and employed Max Clifford to oversee your public profile and PR.
Your complaint should be with SKY/BBC and not with The Landlord. Stop acting like an idiot and allow people their say OR stop acting like a twat and sort your business out. You really are making yourself look like an idiot..
Twattybollocks
PS: before you start blaming The Landlord - these are my personal thoughts and not his. It's not illegal to speak ones mind and as I have never 'done a deal' with you there would appear to be fuck all you can do so suck my dick!
28
Twattybollocks wrote this on 2010-05-06 19:58:01
LMFAO!!!
TB
TB
29
Matt Schwade wrote this on 2010-05-09 22:02:41
Ajay is a well known scammer.
Just google his name and there are dozens of stories of him scamming innocent people.
BEWARE!
Just google his name and there are dozens of stories of him scamming innocent people.
BEWARE!
30
henderson wrote this on 2010-05-24 21:59:34
Beaware of Ajay Ahuja and Mark Collins the M.D of Property 4 Investors(http://www.trassociate.net & http://www.tudorrose.info)..they are frauds..check landlord zone for more info
31
Mart wrote this on 2010-05-25 07:05:07
Hi Henderson,
What can you tell me about Mark Collins as I am negotiating a deal at moment, this has worried me slightly?
What can you tell me about Mark Collins as I am negotiating a deal at moment, this has worried me slightly?
32
henderson wrote this on 2010-06-08 23:34:12
check Mark Alex Collins scam on ...
http://www.singingpig.co.uk/forums/thread/861307.aspx
http://www.singingpig.co.uk/forums/thread/861307.aspx
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henderson wrote this on 2010-06-08 23:36:07
More on Mark Collins..
http://www.singingpig.co.uk/forums/thread/812611.aspx
http://www.singingpig.co.uk/forums/thread/812611.aspx
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Mart wrote this on 2010-06-13 16:13:27
Henderson,
Have you ever tried to contact Mark Collins directly?
As a director of Tudor Rose he was still responsible for the running of the business and I guess if there was fraud involved he would be liable under sections of the companies act?
Trading illegally and without sufficient funds to operate a Ltd company, and knowingly taking money when the business was unable to pay its debts (trading illegally)
I may have some contact details if it helps?
Have you ever tried to contact Mark Collins directly?
As a director of Tudor Rose he was still responsible for the running of the business and I guess if there was fraud involved he would be liable under sections of the companies act?
Trading illegally and without sufficient funds to operate a Ltd company, and knowingly taking money when the business was unable to pay its debts (trading illegally)
I may have some contact details if it helps?
35
Please leave a comment
I initially started this website because I wanted to document my every step from property idiot to property landlord,
in hope that people would find my site and help me along the way. I literally didn't have a clue about being a landlord
when I started this website.
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