Counterfeit Goods
Counterfeit Goods
Counterfeit goods or fake items can be deliberately made to look genuine. These can range from clothes, bags, watches, perfume, cosmetics and electrical items.
If you knowingly buy counterfeit goods, you’re helping the offender to break the law. The money you’ve spent could also end up funding organised crime. You could also be putting yourself in real danger as counterfeits do not pass the same tests as genuine items. They can be dangerous to use and in some cases are made using toxic substances.
It is a criminal offence to try to financially gain by using a trademark without the owner's permission.
If you purchased an item you believed to be genuine but now believe it may be counterfeit you can report it to Action Fraud.
You can also contact the Citizens Advice for consumer advice.
Your local Trading Standards office can also be able to give you advice.
- Find out more advice on returning counterfeit or fake goods.
- Find out how to spot fake or counterfeit goods can be.
- Read Action Fraud's advice on counterfeit goods.