Police Crack Down on Shed Sale Scam in Kent
Kent Police are on the hunt after a string of fake shed adverts duped local buyers on social media.
Victims Pay Up But Get Nothing
From 8 June to 9 July 2021, several buyers handed over cash to so-called independent sellers for garden sheds. But the promised sheds never showed up. Worse, some victims were bullied into sending even more money.
Two Arrested But Still Under Investigation
On the morning of Tuesday 3 August 2021, cops swooped on a 35-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man from Canterbury. Both were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation. They have since been released but remain under investigation.
Police Warn Shoppers: Stay Alert
Inspector Guy Thompson of Canterbury Community Safety Unit said: “Fraudsters use online shopping scams on social media and elsewhere because they can hide their identity and target victims at the same time.”
“Think carefully about what is being asked of you by an online seller. You should not feel pressured into using alternative payment methods rather than recommended payment sites and consider carefully about completing direct money transfers.”
Residents are urged to be vigilant and only use secure payment methods when shopping online.
