Residents in a south east London borough have received a fake letter falsely claiming asylum seekers are being moved into homes across the area. The letter, made to look as though it was sent from Bexley Council’s ‘Deputy Director of Housing’, was posted through some doors before being shared online.
The notice falsely claimed the council was converting properties to accommodate asylum seekers under government arrangements. Bexley Council has since confirmed the letter is fake and has referred the matter to the Metropolitan Police.
Council statement
A statement from the council said: ‘We have been made aware of a fake letter posted to some homes, supposedly from our Development Management Team, titled “Neighbourhood Notice – New Residential Occupancy” and dated 24/8/2026.’
The council added: ‘We wish to make it clear that this letter is NOT from the Council and we have referred the matter to the Metropolitan Police.’
Content of the hoax letter
The fake notice contains a series of claims, such as that ‘young men aged approximately 19-40 years old’ would be moving into the area. It also references cultural differences and gives residents instructions about how women and girls should dress when leaving their homes.
The letter states: ‘If they have to venture out, please make sure they are dressed appropriately so as not to tempt the men in any way. Long skirts or trousers are advised, with shoulders covered.’ Residents were also advised to keep pets indoors or consider rehoming them.
Bexley was described in the letter as an ‘official sanctuary for asylum seekers’ who will now become the council’s ‘guests’.
MP and councillor respond
Louie French, the Conservative MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, criticised the letter, saying it was an attempt to ‘scare’ residents. ‘It is concerning that someone has gone out of their way to try and scare people like this,’ he said.
‘This is now a police matter so I won’t be sharing the fake letter, but this is another reminder to question things online if they don’t sound right. Sadly we now have fake letters to add to the many fake accounts on Facebook deliberately spreading misinformation in our community.’
Councillor Chis Purfield also confirmed the notice was a hoax, adding: ‘There is a letter that has supposedly been sent to residents from Bexley Council about homing asylum seekers in the area and guidelines to keep safe. This is a hoax to cause panic and upset amongst you all. No letter has been sent out from the housing department. Please do not entertain these scaremongering people, do not share.’
