A Facebook post in a Folkestone community group has sparked outrage after a resident claimed she was scammed out of £200 for fake New Year’s Eve tickets. The post, shared by Janet Kershaw, quickly gained traction as other members of the community came forward with similar complaints about the alleged scammer, identified as Tony Holloway.
Kershaw wrote, “Feeling slightly stupid but also very annoyed as it’s looking like I’ve been scammed out of £200 for New Year’s tickets. If you know this guy or where to find him, please DM me.” The post received dozens of comments, with many other residents sharing their experiences with the alleged scammer.
Community Outrage and Allegations
One commenter, Ian D. Johnstone, recounted an incident involving Holloway from last year. “He ripped me off with rubbish collection, took £50 and dumped half of it around the corner. Had to deal with the mess myself,” he wrote.
Another resident, Lynda Barrett, claimed that Holloway operates under multiple Facebook accounts, making it difficult for victims to track him down. Others alleged that Holloway has been involved in various scams around Folkestone, including unpaid taxi fares and attempts to sell fake goods.
Calls for Action
Many commenters urged Kershaw and other victims to report the incidents to the police. “Please report him to the authorities. This is a horrible thing to do, especially during the holiday season,” wrote one concerned resident.
However, some advised caution against falling for further scams, as others claimed to have been targeted by fake recovery services. “Ignore the comments asking for private messages to recover your money; they’re likely scammers too,” warned Kirsty Misa.
A Pattern of Deception
The community expressed frustration over what they described as a repeated pattern of Holloway’s behavior. One commenter claimed to have seen him in town attempting to sell random items, including a lampshade and a VCR player. Others accused him of targeting vulnerable people with fabricated stories to gain sympathy and money.
Next Steps
The incident highlights the importance of verifying sellers and being cautious with online transactions. Victims are encouraged to report scams to Kent Police and provide as much evidence as possible. Community members are also sharing tips on how to recover lost funds through chargebacks or PayPal’s buyer protection system.
The post has served as a reminder for Folkestone residents to stay vigilant and support one another in preventing further scams. As the New Year approaches, the community hopes for justice and accountability for those affected by the alleged deceit.
