Parent hit by fraud by Weston Carnival light stall scam

A Weston parent has been been left £150 out of pocket after being a victim of fraud from a roaming light toy stall during Weston Carnival.

Hannah Farnell was with her young children when she purchased two light-up toys from a roaming seller near Weston College. Each toy was £10 each however Hannah was charged over two transactions £20 and then a further £150 for the toys.

Posting on social media Hannah Farnell said; “ I’ve been scammed at the carnival tonight. I asked the men selling the light up toys how much they were and was told £10 each and they charged me £20 on one transaction and then £150 on the other. It has crippled me financially this month. So close to Christmas too. I’m Gutted.“

The sellers that roam Weston and other large events do so on what’s legally known as a “peddlers licence” which anyone over the age of 17 can apply for any only costs £12.25. It enables the holder to operate nationally in any public space, you must operate on foot and move town to town. Licenses are applied for at your local police station and councils have no involvement with the process.