POLICE in Durban are appealing to victims of an alleged conman, who swindles people out of their money by promising them houses, to come forward.

The police said yesterday they believed there were many people who might have been defrauded by Desmond Pillay.

Pillay, 33, has been charged with 14 counts of fraud and had appeared in the Durban commercial court in December Last year.

Provincial police spokesperson Superintendent Jay Naicker said the suspect allegedly hoodwinked people who needed houses.

"He convinced them that he had access to houses that were going to be auctioned. He is alleged to have requested victims to pay a deposit for these houses to prevent the houses from being sold at auction."

Pillay allegedly vanished after he had received cash.

Naicker said 14 victims had come forward and opened cases of fraud after the suspect failed to refund their deposits.

Anyone who has been defrauded by the suspect is requested to contact Sergeant Nathi Myeza on 031 327-8800 during office hours, or visit his office at John Ross House.