Fair Trading Trading Standards frequently find inferior, illegally copied and, sometimes, unsafe counterfeit goods on sale to the public. The production, distribution and sale of these products is viewed seriously by Trading Standards who work closely with and receive information from organisations representing legitimate traders. We regularly monitor e-bay. We use the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to recover assets gained from engaging in a criminal lifestyle.
The products found frequently found include clothing, DVD's and computer software and more recently cigarettes.
How do I spot a copy?
Counterfeits can be difficult to identify as criminals are becoming more advanced in the production of copies. Not only are the items made to look similar but in the case of perfume the packaging and actual smell of the perfume are copied. The Trading Standards service suggests the following advice on how to spot suspect products.
· Where Sold
· Price
· Quality
Where Sold
Where a garment is being sold can be a useful indication as to its authenticity. If we take the example of Rolex watches, you would not expect to see them for sale at a market or a car boot sale. Companies who hold the Trademark for many goods only licence the sale of the products to certain retailers. So where they were sold can be an important indication.
Price
Certain designer garments or sportswear retail at high prices. The counterfeiter realises this and will undercut the retail price. If somebody is offering you an unbelievable deal it probably is that, unbelievable. Other traders puffs used by Counterfeiters are that they are ‘slight seconds’ or ‘bankrupt stock’ to justify the lower price. Street sellers in London selling from suitcases announce the goods are ‘stolen’ in order to justify their prices. Cigarettes are offered for sale as imported from the continent but turn out to be counterfeit.
Quality
The quality of the garment will be of a poorer standard to the original. Simple checks of the garment such as the finishing of embroidery, clarity of labels and general appearance of the product all can give indications to its authenticity. This is a short guide on how to identify the copies. Some companies go further by producing guidance leaflets on their products and how to spot the copies.
We work closely with a number of Trade Organisations in our fight against counterfeiting. The Anti Counterfeiting Group produce information and guidance on the national effect on the problem and the damage it causes to genuine retailer and to the economy as a whole.
How You Can Help
If you know or suspect somebody of supplying counterfeit items please use the contact details listed at the bottom of this page. All contacts are treated in the strictest confidence.
Scams
For the latest tips on identifying and dealing with scams visit the Office of Fair Trading Website.
Trading Standards Enforcement Policy.pdf (47k)
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