OFT says fake goods can be dangerous

Fri, 12 Nov 2010

DVDs were the most common counterfeit item in 2008

The Office of Fair Trading is urging consumers not to buy fake products this Christmas.

The organisation says counterfeit items are available on Island, but warns shoppers are more likely to come across them whilst in the UK or shopping online.

Some goods, such as fake batteries and counterfeit alchohol and cigarettes, can be dangerous or poor quality.

The OFT says there are often ethical reasons for not buying such items, as they are often made in poor countries and the workers that make them are not paid fairly.

If you believe you have been sold fake goods, or know of someone selling them, you can contact the Island's OFT on 686500.

Chief Trading Standards Officer for the Island - John Peet - says there are safety risks with some cut price products [play clip]