Criminals exploit high demand by cutting padlocks, breaking into huts, and listing them for sale on platforms like eBay at low prices, promising quick transactions. Prospective buyers are often invited to view the unlocked hut alone, with the 'seller' claiming they are unavailable to conduct the viewing themselves. In one case, the scammer claimed to have inherited the hut and was selling it due to a lack of time to use it. The victim uncovered the deception when attempting to register his new acquisition with the local council's beach office. A second potential buyer narrowly avoided a similar fate by contacting the council before parting with any money.
As soon as Canterbury City Council learned of people selling beach huts in Tankerton they do not own, they informed beach hut owners and advised them to contact Kent Police and Report Fraud. The council also notified beach hut associations to spread the word to their members. The council advises beach hut owners to be vigilant for fraudulent activity and report concerns to police swiftly. The council's Foreshore team can provide advice on whether a hut sale is genuine if contacted. While hut owners are permitted to sell privately and via whatever method they choose, the council advises prospective buyers to only purchase huts through agents or the beach hut association.
This is the second time in recent months that this scam has happened, and scammers may well try again.