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Crimestoppers and Cumbria Trading Standards are warning festive consumers of the dangers of buying counterfeit Christmas presents as internet sales set to peak on Mega Monday, the busiest online shopping day which this year falls on 2nd December [21 November 2013].
Counterfeit toys, computer consoles and games, handbags, shoes and beauty products are big business.
Criminals will go to astonishing lengths to get a slice of this year’s festive shopping market, with online shoppers expected to spend more than £10.8 billion this December according to analysis carried out on the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index.
The sum will be a record high with spend going over £10 billion for the first time ever – up 15% on December 2012.
More than 8,000 sites have already been identified as selling counterfeit copies of designer brands including Gucci, Adidas and Mulberry bags.
One in five online bargain hunters mistakenly bought fake goods while looking for the best deal last year.
Cumbrian consumers need to be aware that if they buy counterfeit Christmas presents over the internet from aboard, UK Border Agency may confiscate them when they arrive in the UK. Every year UK Border Agency seizes counterfeit goods coming into the country and innocent consumers lose their hard earned cash.
Advice from Trading Standards is to use the Brand-I website to make sure you use websites authorised to sell branded goods and don’t waste your money on buying fakes. Visit: www.brand-i.org/brands.
By following these simple tips you can keep fraudsters at bay this Christmas:
- Only deal with reputable online retailers you know and trust.
- If the goods cost over £100 and below £30 consider using a Credit Card as this will give you additional protection if things go wrong.
- Trust your instincts – if an offer looks too good to believe then there is usually a catch. Legitimate popular technology and designer items are rarely discounted.
- Ensure the payment system is secure – there should be a padlock symbol on the bottom right of the page and the website address should begin with “https”.
- Check the URL in the web browser. Don’t be fooled by spoof websites where the fraudsters slightly change the address. Conduct a “who is” search online which will tell you where a website is registered. If the website is registered abroad it may be difficult or impossible to claim compensation from the seller.
Remember cheapest is not always the best!
The maximum sentence for selling counterfeit goods is ten years in prison and if you are convicted the courts have the power to seize your vehicle, confiscate your money and sell your assets.
Gary Murray, Crimestoppers’ North West Regional Manager said:
“Many people are unaware that most internet fraud and fake goods sold on market stalls or in pubs are linked to serious and organised crime groups. If a bargain is too good to be true then the chances are it is a fraud or a scam.
“I would encourage the public that if they have information on this criminal activity to contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Angela Jones, Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards Service Manager, said:
“There are many reasons why you should avoid counterfeit products. If you buy fake goods you are helping a trader to break the law and many fraudsters use the proceeds from selling fake goods to fund drug dealing or other types of serious organised crime. Counterfeit goods are usually poor quality and can be unsafe and jeopardize your health as fraudsters do not often comply with strict quality standards or safety checks. You might think you are getting a bargain, but we have received complaints about counterfeit electrical goods containing unsafe wiring that can lead to overheating, creating a risk of fire, electrocution and personal injury.
