Feruza Mettrick, 33, rented properties using fake documents and utility bills before pretending to be the real owners and applying for loans, the Yorkshire Evening Post revealed yesterday.
Mettrick, an independent financial adviser with a depth of knowledge of mortgage applications, targeted properties which had no outstanding loans or borrowing against them via letting agents.
With the help of two other men, she was able to pretend to be the real owner and convince financial institutions to give her cash advances for mortgages or loans.
In some cases, attempts were made to even sell off properties without the real owners being aware.
She was arrested wearing a wig and glasses as part of a disguise at the Royal Bank of Scotland branch in Harrogate in September last year.
Leeds Crown Court heard how Mettrick managed to obtain a total of £515,900.
Nick Worsley, prosecuting, said with regards to all the failed attempts to obtain funds via mortgage loans the potential losses to lending institutions was £2,459,250.
Homes in Leeds, Batley and Harrogate were all targeted.
One deception saw Mettrick take on the identity of a 67-year-old woman who owned a large detached bungalow on Chelmsford Road, Harrogate and gain a £120,000 home improvement loan.
When she was arrested, Mettrick refused to comment or co-operate with police but later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud.
Mr Worsley added: “This is sophisticated, repeated and professional offending by a defendant adept at using disguise and subterfuge.”
As he imposed the sentence, Judge James Spencer said: “She is a conman. I don’t accept anything she says.”
