New warning over fake goods

The fake's on the left - and it could be dangerous

Christmas shoppers are being warned to be on the lookout for counterfeit goods.

While the price might be right, the authorities say consumers could end up worse off because the items are usually shoddy and sometimes dangerous.

"In addition to old favourites such as clothing and perfume, we are now investigating products like fake vodka and cigarettes, which have serious health risks," says Bryan Lewin of the Trading Standards Institute.

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A major concern of the Anti-Counterfeting Group (ACG), a trade association, is the number of fake toys that are available, including:

Star Wars figures coated in paint with high levels of lead.

Bob the Builder soft toys which leak stuffing and beads.

Beyblades with sharp metal edges.

Pokemon watches with parts that could choke a small child.

"Some of the fakes are obviously cheap and shoddy and you can spot them a mile off but some are pretty good copies," the ACG's Patrica Lennon told Working Lunch.

Counterfeit Star Wars figures contain high lead levels

"For small children, you are potentially giving them something that is dangerous and it's really not worth taking the risk.

"The counterfeiters are producing these at the lowest possible cost.

"One of the reasons they can sell things cheap is because they don't put them through safety testing."

It's illegal to sell fakes, but not to buy them. However, the ACG says shoppers should steer clear.

"If you are buying this stuff you are funding organised crime - it's as black and white as that," says Patricia.

The Trading Standards Institute says shoppers should consider three things:

Person - who are you buying it from?

Place - Legitimate traders don't sell outside the pub.

Price - if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Not exactly counterfeit, but enough to mislead

Buying dodgy goods also robs you of your rights.

"If you buy from a street trader, you will not get your money back," warns Patricia.

"If you go back, they've gone."

Shoppers are advised to report any fake goods to trading standards.

It's predicted that the most common fakes this Christmas will be computer games, DVDs and videos, children's TV merchandise, sportswear and CDs.