Conservative Controlled Council Says Counterfeit Goods Harm People and the Economy

Conservative controlled Staffordshire County Council is urging local bargain hunters to be vigilant about counterfeit goods if they are visiting markets and car boot sales this Easter bank holiday weekend.

The county council’s trading standards leader is reminding people that counterfeit items harm the economy and can harm people. Events will be taking place throughout the county during the first holiday weekend of the year.

Shoppers are being reminded that counterfeit goods are shoddy imitations that will leave them out of pocket and could cause serious harm. Counterfeit electrical goods are hazardous as they can cause fires and electrocution. Harmful substances such as high lead levels in perfume are a risk with counterfeit cosmetics.

Legitimate traders suffer as a result of counterfeit sales; harming the local economy in the process. Money made also goes into the pockets of organised criminal gangs.

Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Trading Standards Cllr Gill Heath said, “We want people to have a safe and enjoyable time when visiting bank holiday markets and car boot sales. That is why we want them aware of safety risks caused by counterfeit goods and also reiterate that they are bad for our economy.

“Unfortunately these events can attract traders who knowingly sell counterfeit goods, ripping people off and depending on the item, potentially endangering them. We would therefore like to remind people to be vigilant, especially when they see goods, which may appear to be a bargain.

“Counterfeit goods are increasingly hard to detect just to look at, so when something is being sold at a knock-down price, people should be extremely wary. We always say that if something is too good to be true, it usually is.

“Anyone who buys counterfeit goods will land themselves with shoddy goods which may be dangerous and at the same time line criminals’ pockets. We want to protect the public and legitimate business and we will continue to target counterfeiters.”

Some of the hidden dangers of counterfeit goods include:
• Counterfeit alcohol such as vodka contains dangerous chemicals which can cause may health problems such as blindness
• Counterfeit perfume can often burn skin or leave a nasty rash and may contain lead
• Fake sunglasses often offer no UVA protection, causing eye damage
• Fake tobacco often contains unknown chemicals
• Counterfeit children’s toys can often be unsafe with unsuitable small parts and children’s clothes may be inflammable

Anyone wanting to report counterfeit goods sales can call the anonymous Staffordshire Fight the Fakes line on 01785 330356.