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Crackdown on counterfeits as UK shoppers hunt for bargains

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  • Enforcement campaign launched with Meta to remove hundreds of potential counterfeit listings from Instagram.
  • New polling shows that just over 1 in 4 are considering or intending to buy fake products this year2 while over two fifths (45%) of people have reported problems after purchase
  • Electrical devices among top targets for consumers tempted to buy fakes
  • Don’t Blow Christmas campaign hopes to save shoppers at Christmas this year by urging consumers to avoid faulty and hazardous counterfeit electricals

 A crackdown by enforcement bodies and Meta has been launched to remove listings of potential counterfeit products from Instagram. The listings cover counterfeit electrical goods – such as phone accessories and potentially dangerous chargers – as well as fake clothing and fashion accessories, jewellery, tobacco, car parts and copyrighted photographs.

The crackdown – which launched in advance of Black Friday and is still ongoing – comes alongside a revealing new survey1 showing that just over 1 in 4 UK shoppers are considering or intending to buy fake products this year2. Additionally, almost 2 in 5 (37%) said they want to buy the same amount of presents as last Christmas, which could lure more people into unknowingly purchasing cheaper but unsafe counterfeit products.2

 Electrical devices (such as smartphones, tablets or laptops) and accessories (such as chargers and earphones) are among the top targets for consumers planning or tempted to buy fakes this year. These illegally-sold items pose substantial risks for shoppers, as they can be both poor quality, leading to wasted spending, and incredibly dangerous. Previous research by Electrical Safety First found that 98% of fake Apple chargers failed safety tests3, and the consequences can be dire, with recent Home Office data showing 10 UK house fires each day are caused by faulty appliances and leads4.

Shoppers who turn to counterfeits risk, at best, disappointing financial loss but also serious harm. 45% of survey respondents reported problems after buying fakes across all product types with top issues relating to quality and products not being fit for purpose. Similar quality concerns around knock-off, unregulated, electrical goods could have devastating impacts for households this Christmas.

The IPO has launched its Don’t Blow Christmas campaign today (@dontblowchristmas) in advance of the peak online shopping season and is urging people to buy authentic electrical goods from legitimate retailers. The IPO said that it was launching Don’t Blow Christmas to highlight how unregulated illegal electrical products are particularly dangerous and not worth the risk, as they are often unsafe and untested. They warned if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

The enforcement campaign was coordinated by The National Markets Group** for IP Protection, a multi-agency enforcement group that includes the Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG), the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and National Trading Standards (NTS). Shoppers can be easily deceived to think retailers and their products are legitimate, because they may appear on familiar or trusted e-commerce or social media platforms, so the group worked  with Meta to instigate the takedowns in advance of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Mike Andrews, National Co-ordinator, National Trading Standards eCrime team, said: “Removing counterfeit goods from Instagram means families will be safer this Christmas. Buying fakes can seem like a harmless way to get what you want for less, but counterfeiting is not a victimless crime. Aside from being poor quality, fake electrical goods can be a fire hazard, while copycat toys can be deadly to children as criminals don’t care about safety standards. Even fake designer clothes and accessories cause huge harm as the trade props up organised crime. We’re delighted with the results of this operation as we continue our mission to reduce the harm counterfeiting causes in communities and across society, to people and to legitimate businesses.”

Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive at Electrical Safety First, said: “We urge people to be vigilant against counterfeit goods. It may seem like a bargain but the cost of buying fake electrical items could be that you or a loved one suffer an electric shock, or a fire starts in your home. Many people may not even be aware the products they are considering purchasing are counterfeit, so it’s important they follow the IPO’s tips on tell-tale signs.”

Tips to avoid being duped into purchasing counterfeit products

1) Vet the seller. Do they look official? Have you bought from this seller before, is the website or platform well known? Does the seller have a returns policy? If you are in doubt, look for a genuine online review, not just recommendations from influencers to buy the item.

2) Avoid payments by bank transfer. Always beware of retailers asking for payment to be made via bank transfer. Well known credit card providers like Visa or Mastercard, and services like PayPal offer protection to buyers if the goods don’t arrive or are proven to be counterfeit.

3) Trust your instincts. Does the item on offer look and feel like an authentic product? Sellers of counterfeits often make spelling mistakes in their descriptions and sometimes on the products themselves, which is an obvious warning sign. Spelling and grammar mistakes can indicate fakes!

4) Look for EU and UK safety markings. The safety standards of counterfeit items are poor and can be dangerous, especially when they are shipped from abroad. Do items have EU and UK safety markings? You should always check for the correct age restrictions and hazard warnings on the packaging.

5) Question the price if much cheaper than elsewhere. Whether buying online or in person, always think about the price. Scammers often sell counterfeit goods at discounted prices to make you drop your guard. If the item is significantly cheaper than you’d expect, that’s a good reason for alarm bells to ring. If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is.

If you or someone you know has purchased a counterfeit product or suspects that a website is selling counterfeit products, report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

For more information on how to avoid buying fake electrical products visit https://ipo.blog.gov.uk/2022/11/21/dont-blow-christmas-avoid-a-mistake-spot-the-fake/.

Naturally North Coast & Glens Market and Trading Standards Service, Ballymena sign the Real Deal Charter

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 (Naturally North Coast & Glens CIC)

Eoin McConnell from Naturally North Coast and Glens CIC signs the Real Deal Charter alongside Damien Doherty, Chief Inspector of the Trading Standards Service and Shauna McFall, Market Manager. 

Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market is the latest market in Northern Ireland to sign the Real Deal Charter with their local Trading Standards Service. 

Welcoming the development, Shauna McFall of Naturally North Coast & Glens Community Interest Company, said: “Our Trader Product Standards and Code of Conduct naturally meet the requirements of the Real Deal Charter, so this is a fantastic additional standard for safe, fair markets. It gives shoppers that extra confidence that goods purchased are safe and legal. As well as counterfeit items, the Real Deal charter covers all laws and regulations that would be enforced by trading standards including copyright infringements, weights and measures and product safety.”

Damien Doherty, Chief Inspector of the Trading Standards Service, added: “Fake items may appear attractive, but consumers should be aware of the wider implications and the risks to their own safety. There has been a worrying increase in potentially dangerous fake goods being sold to consumers such as electrical equipment, toys, personal care products and medicines. 

“Counterfeit goods are big business, a drain on the economy, cost jobs and are closely linked to organised crime both in Northern Ireland and abroad. Counterfeiting and piracy also cause considerable damage to legitimate businesses.”

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Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Trading Standards and Royal Windsor Horse Show sign charter to ensure consumers get a Real Deal

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 All smiles as Jonathan Goold, commercial director of HPower Group (left), and Councillor David Cannon, the RBW&M cabinet member for public protection, sign the Real Deal Charter at Windsor Guildhall in advance of this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Visitors to the Royal Windsor Horse Show can be assured they are getting a fair deal at its shopping stands thanks to a partnership between the council’s Trading Standards service and event organisers.

They have secured Real Deal accreditation for the show’s shopping stands, signing a charter demonstrating a commitment to providing a safe and fair shopping experience by preventing counterfeit or illicit goods being sold and maintaining the very highest standards with the retail offerings.

It was signed on Thursday 3 March at Windsor Guildhall in advance of this year’s show, to be held from 12 to 15 May in the private grounds of Windsor Castle.

“As a council we are committed to investing in prevention and support measures that enable early intervention to address problems before they escalate.” Cllr David Cannon 

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Gloucestershire Trading Standards and Cotswold Markets launch ‘Real Deal’ at Moreton-in-Marsh

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Gloucestershire County Council’s trading standards department and Cotswold Markets are continuing their work together under the Real Deal banner to prevent shoppers from being conned into buying fake designer goods and other illicit items

They have jointly signed the Real Deal Charter to promote legal sellers at Moreton-in-Marsh Market, run by Cotswold Markets. The campaign is a national initiative to ensure markets are run legally and have a working relationship with trading standards.

Patricia Lennon, national manager of the Real Deal campaign, said: “We are delighted to welcome Moreton Market into the Real Deal. By signing the Charter and displaying the Real Deal logo, they are joining with hundreds of markets across the country in saying ‘no’ to counterfeits and rogue traders.”

Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member for trading standards at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “It is important to ensure legitimate traders are protected and those who feel they can make easy money are deterred at the earliest stage.

“Shoppers want to know that they will be buying genuine items so I’m pleased this partnership working through the Real Deal scheme will offer that reassurance.”

Dave Joynes, managing director of Cotswold Markets, said: “This is a great initiative that will see us working together with trading standards to protect consumers and local businesses from the harm caused by the trade in counterfeit goods.

“We’re really proud of our market’s reputation and want to reassure residents, visitors and businesses that we’re committed to maintaining a safe and fair environment in which to shop and trade.”

It comes after Cirencester Market, jointly run by Cirencester Town Council and Cotswold Markets, signed up to the Charter in July last year.

Since its launch in 2009, more than 500 markets across the UK have made a commitment to fake-free trading by signing the voluntary Real Deal Charter with their local trading standards.

If you have any concerns about items sold at Moreton-in-Marsh Market please contact Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133.

Operation MONTY keeps shoppers and businesses safe from counterfeit goods in the run up to the festive season

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Social media: Operation MONTY keeps shoppers and businesses safe from counterfeit goods in the run up to the festive season!

The National Markets Group for IP Protection (NMG), a multi-agency focus group aimed at reducing the availability of counterfeit goods at physical markets and online, is warning consumers to watch out for fake, and potentially dangerous goods, that may appear on social media in the run up to the festive shopping season.

With Black Friday fast approaching and consumers vying for bargains, traders in counterfeit goods are looking to exploit the retail shift to on-line buying by attempting to offer often dangerous, counterfeit goods on social media platforms.

“Counterfeiters operating on social media draw in unsuspecting consumers, using well-known brand names, to sell their illicit goods” said Graham Mogg, Intelligence Co-Ordinator at the Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG) and Chair of the NMG.

“This criminal activity undermines the fabric of society, robbing legitimate business of their income, placing consumers at risk and funds serious and organised crime. A whole range of counterfeit products including clothing, footwear, accessories, watches and even potentially dangerous goods such as toys, cosmetics, perfumes and electrical goods are being offered on these platforms.”

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Stevenage Indoor Market is the Real Deal!

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Traders from Stevenage Indoor Market, in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council, recently signed up to the national ‘Real Deal’ campaign – demonstrating a joint commitment to ensuring safe, fair and legal sales at Stevenage Indoor Market.

In signing up to the Real Deal Markets Charter, it means traders at Stevenage Indoor Market have pledged to continue working with Stevenage Borough Council to stop rogue traders from selling counterfeit and illegal items.

The Real Deal campaign is a cross-sector, partnership initiative, bringing together local authority trading standards services, market operators and traders, industry groups, and copyright and trademark owners, all of whom are united with a common commitment to tackling this problem.

Councillor Joan Lloyd, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Resources at Stevenage Borough Council said: “It is important to us that customers know they can shop at the Indoor Market with confidence. Fake products are untested and potentially unsafe. The sale of fake goods also means our local businesses lose sales and revenue is lost from our economy.”

She continued: “This is a fantastic initiative and confirms our joint commitment to ensuring consumers and local businesses are protected from the harm caused by counterfeit and illicit goods.”

Councillor Morris Bright MBE, Executive Member for Community Safety at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “The Real Deal initiative is a fantastic way to protect Hertfordshire consumers as they shop at the Stevenage Indoor Market. Our Trading Standards officers have inspected the market and its traders, so that our residents can have confidence that they won’t be purchasing counterfeit, unsafe, or non-compliant goods.”

If you have any concerns about items sold at Stevenage Indoor Market or town centre please contact Trading Standards by calling 01707 292429.

It’s the Real Deal – Cirencester Market and Gloucestershire Trading Standards are working together to protect consumers and legitimate businesses

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Left to right: Jason Poole, manager of Gloucestershire Trading Standards, Dave Joynes, managing director of Cotswold Markets, Becky Coles, Community Services Manager, Claire Bloomer, Mayor of Cirencester, and Cllr Gary Selwyn, lead member for community services, at the signing of the charter

Cirencester Market, which is jointly run by Cirencester Town Council and Cotswold Markets, is the latest to join the Real Deal programme to stop shoppers being duped into buying rip-off fakes of designer goods and other illicit items. On Friday 9 July, the market operators confirmed this commitment by signing the Real Deal Charter with Gloucestershire County Council’s trading standards department. 

Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member responsible for trading standards at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “It is important to ensure legitimate traders are protected and those who feel they can make easy money are deterred at the earliest stage.

“This is a great initiative that will see us working together to protect consumers and local businesses from the harm caused by the trade in counterfeit goods.”

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Let’s Talk Real Deal

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In these two short videos, experts representing different stakeholder groups explain the benefits that the Real Deal Charter brings to shoppers, legitimate traders and the wider community.

NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME MARKET

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At the signing of the Real Deal Charter in Newcastle-under-Lyme Market in June 2021, Graham Mogg, Chair of the National Markets Group for IP Protection and ACG Intelligence Co-ordinator explains that Real Deal markets benefit shoppers, legitimate traders and the wider economy: “The money goes into the traders’ pockets and the government purse and is not funding criminality, which is what happens with counterfeit goods.”

Commenting on the impact of the Covid pandemic restrictions on retail trade, Cllr. Stephen Sweeney, Newcastle-under-Lyme Cabinet member for finance, town centres and growth, explains that the council is putting a great deal of emphasis on the town centre: “If we can say to customers that the goods we sell on the market are what they say they are, no frauds, no fakes, it will encourage people to come.”

Staffordshire County Council’s communities leader, Cllr Victoria Wilson, comments that the Real Deal in Staffordshire has been “fantastic”, adding, “It’s great for local businesses who can sell their goods to consumers who know they are buying genuine articles and won’t be contributing to the black market.”

Watch the video here – https://youtu.be/6olPzZ9xLZA

 

NEWTON ABBOT MARKET

Mike Walsh, Manager of Newton Abbot Market explains why he “jumped at the chance” to sign the Real Deal Charter in 2019, saying, “it brings the opportunity for customers to come into the market and shop with the confidence that they’re buying genuine goods, good quality at a good price.” Trader Diane Smith of Newton Phone Cases and Repairs agrees: “Customers are reassured and are happy and then you build up a customer base . . . through the years.”

Watch the video here – https://youtu.be/Fdqst1b0KW8

 

 

 

Newcastle-under-Lyme Market is the Real Deal

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On 1 June, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council became the first to gain Real Deal national accreditation since the pandemic began.

It has voluntarily signed up to the Real Deal charter, working with Staffordshire County Council, as part of ongoing work to protect local shoppers and genuine traders and enhance the growing Newcastle-under-Lyme Market.

Adopting the charter – run by the National Markets Group for IP Protection (NMG) – is a preventative measure to stop rogue traders from selling counterfeit and illegal items on The Stones meaning that visitors can shop, and stallholders trade, in safety and confidence.

The Council is committing to working very closely with the county council’s trading standards team, being aware of who is trading on the market at all times and showing a commitment to fair trading. As well as having access to guidance, information and promotional support, market regulations have been updated to state that suspected counterfeit items may be seized and formal action may follow.

There are further principles for trading standards and industry/trademark representatives.

Officials from the Real Deal initiative travelled from South Wales and the north of England for the signing event. Patricia Lennon, Real Deal National Campaign Manager, praised the market’s commitment, saying: “The management team at Newcastle-under-Lyme Market commenced the process of joining the Real Deal before the start of the Covid pandemic and their support for it has never wavered despite the difficult trading conditions of the past 12 months. I am so pleased that we have been able to come together today to witness this Real Deal Charter signing, confirming Newcastle-under-Lyme Market as a fake-free zone at the heart of the local community.”

Cllr. Stephen Sweeney, Cabinet member for finance, town centres and growth, said: “Markets are a valuable part of our local communities and make a vital contribution to the consumer experience. We’re putting a great deal of time and effort into making our historic market more vibrant and attractive. This is paying off in dividends with greater choice at our general, farmers’ and antique/collectibles markets which run alongside our popular themed events – such as Castle Artisan Market and the Record Fair – as well as visiting markets.

“As we welcome more and more traders to Newcastle town centre, and with restrictions easing, signing up to this national charter feels like a natural progression. We’re really proud of our market’s reputation and want to reassure residents, visitors and businesses that we’re committed to maintaining a safe and fair environment in which to shop and trade.

“Seeing the Real Deal logo is a visible reminder that shoppers can expect to buy only genuine and quality goods from our hardworking traders – not fakes, pirated or potentially unsafe items. We want them to enjoy their purchases and protect traders from losing sales.”

Staffordshire County Council’s communities leader, Cllr Victoria Wilson, said: “No one wants to see counterfeit goods on sale in our communities. It’s bad for our local economy, the goods can be unsafe and legitimate local traders can be driven out of business.

“It’s wonderful news that Newcastle Outdoor Market has signed up to the Real Deal charter, which will give customers real peace of mind and legitimate businesses the chance to compete on a level playing field.

“The Real Deal campaign has already been a huge success in Staffordshire. It gives us all the opportunity to work together to combat the sale of illicit, counterfeit goods.”

The NMG is a partnership of law enforcement, government and industry stakeholders, supported by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA).

Graham Mogg, Chair of the NMG and ACG Intelligence Co-ordinator, said: “Counterfeit products bring a host of problems: consumers are ripped off; untested products are potentially unsafe; legitimate businesses lose sales; revenue is lost from the economy to the black market; and often the trade is linked to organised crime. Most people involved in market shopping or trading would be horrified to think that they may, unwittingly, be funding organised crime. We are grateful to Newcastle-under-Lyme Market and Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards for working together on the Real Deal programme. They are sending out a strong message that fakes are not welcome at this market.”

Gavin Terry, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute Lead Officer for Intellectual Property (IP), added: “The trade in fake goods presents real threats to consumer safety and to businesses that play by the rules. Initiatives like the Real Deal foster a co-ordinated approach between trading standards, marketplaces and IP rights owners. As council resources become increasingly stretched, this type of partnership helps to support the work of trading standards in ensuring that communities benefit from safe, fair trading practices.

Markets ‘Building Back Better’ with the Real Deal

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As the UK continues its journey out of lockdown, markets across the country are focusing on rebuilding footfall from shoppers, attracting new traders and staking their place at the heart of local communities. For many market operators that means strengthening their customer quality assurances, including promoting their market as a fake-free zone.

In recent weeks, the Real Deal office has received an increasing number of enquiries from markets keen to start the process towards signing the Real Deal charter, as well as from existing Real Deal markets wanting to re-promote their fake-free status. Displaying the Real Deal charter and logo is a visible demonstration that counterfeit products and other illegal goods will not be tolerated at that location. It shows that the market is working with local trading standards to protect shoppers and stand up for businesses who play by the rules.

In this video, Mike Walsh, Manager at Newton Abbot Market, and one of the traders, Diane Smith, describe the benefits of signing the Real Deal charter. Watch the video here – https://youtu.be/Fdqst1b0KW8

More than 500 markets across the country have already signed the Real Deal charter with their local trading standards service. Through the project, they have access to guidance, information and promotional support.

Market operators interested in joining the Real Deal programme, and those that have previously signed the charter and wish to re-promote their fake-free status, can get the ball rolling by emailing info@realdealmarkets.co.uk