If you believe you have been sold fake goods or if you suspect an individual is selling fake items you can:
contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline - 0808 2231133
email: trading.standards@cumberland.gov.uk
What you should look out for
Fake goods are basically illegal copies of popular brand name products such as:
- designer clothes
- handbags
- computer software
- chart topping music and films on CD and DVD
- alcohol
- tobacco
- toys
- computers
- mobile phones
- car parts
- cosmetics
- medicines
Be suspicious about bargains. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Find out if you have any guarantees or after-sales service. Examine the quality of the goods and check labels and packaging for misspellings and poor logos.
Take extra care at car boot sales, pubs and computer fairs, or in other situations where it may be more difficult to get in touch with the trader after the purchase.
You should also guard against buying fakes on the internet.
Why you should avoid buying fake goods
Sales of fake goods often form part of a large scale, organised crime such as human trafficking, gun and weapon possession, drugs, money laundering and benefit fraud.
Your safety
Fake goods may be unsafe and dangerous examples include:
- fake alcohol can contain methanol, a chemical that can cause blindness, coma and death
- fake beauty products often contain sub-standard ingredients that could give you a rash or an allergic reaction
- fake electrical goods, including hair straighteners, mobile phones and camera chargers may contain unsafe wiring that can lead to over-heating, creating risks of fire, electrocution and personal injury
- fake toys may not have been tested to strict safety requirements and hence contain small parts that are a choking hazard