What are counterfeit goods?
Counterfeit goods are fake goods passed off as
originals. They include fake designer clothes, bags,
accessories and perfumes as well as pirate DVDs, CDs and computer
games.
Many counterfeit goods are sold at car boot
sales, pubs, markets or fairs making it
difficult to trace the fraudster once you have bought from
them.
You may also come across fake goods online, although auction
sites such as eBay are doing their best to clamp down on
counterfeiting and tackle piracy. If the price of an article seems
too good to be true - for example: a Rolex watch at £10 -
then it almost certainly is.
How does counterfeiting affect you?
There are numerous reasons to avoid buying counterfeit
goods.
For a start, you are helping the trader break the
law and many fraudsters use the proceeds from selling
counterfeit goods to fund drug dealing or other types of organised
crime. You will also deprive the genuine manufacturers of any
profit.
In addition, buying fake goods also contributes to job
losses because genuine manufacturers are unable to match
prices charged by rogue traders. Certain counterfeit goods may be
substandard, possibly dangerous and may even contain hazardous
substances.
What should I do?
If you buy goods that are not as described, counterfeit or not
original, you may be able to use your statutory
rights against the seller. By their nature, however,
counterfeit goods sellers are not the easiest people to track down.
It is much better to avoid them in the first place.
All goods bought or hired from a trader - including shops,
street markets, catalogues or doorstep sellers - are covered
by statutory rights. They also apply to goods bought in sales. You
might be entitled to a refund or exchange of
goods - Consumer Direct will be able to advise you of
your statutory rights.
Your statutory rights apply if the goods you buy are not:
- Of satisfactory quality. This covers, for
example, the appearance and finish of goods, their safety and
durability. Goods must be free from defects, usually even minor
ones, except when the seller has brought any defects to your
attention
- Fit for their purpose, including any
particular purpose you tell the seller about. For example: if you
tell the seller that you want boots fit for mountain climbing, that
is what you should get
- As described on the package or display sign,
or by the seller. If you are told that a jumper is 100% cotton, it
should not turn out to have acrylic in it.
If you think you have unknowingly been sold counterfeit
goods, or if you suspect somebody is
selling fake goods, please contact Consumer Direct on
08454 04 05 06 for advice.
Your local Trading
Standards office can also give you advice.