Cornwall shoppers urged to avoid fake goods in Trading Standards warning
Rise in counterfeit products being sold locally prompts investigation
Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards team is urging shoppers to steer clear of counterfeit goods following an increase in local listings offering fake products.
The team has noticed a rise in sellers advertising items such as fake football shirts, designer handbags, toys, branded clothing, and footwear on online platforms.
Currently, several local sellers are under investigation for their involvement in counterfeit sales.
Why counterfeit goods are a concern
Counterfeit products are often referred to by sellers as ‘replicas’ and priced much lower than their genuine counterparts.
These items are typically made from poor-quality materials, may pose safety risks, and harm legitimate businesses in the area.
According to Trading Standards, selling fake goods is illegal and can lead to accounts on platforms being flagged, suspended, or even permanently closed.
Gary Webster, Trading Standards Group Leader at Cornwall Council, explained the broader impact of counterfeit sales.
"Counterfeit goods harm our local economy. These illegal sellers undermine local retailers and damage the reputation of trusted brands.
In the case of electrical items or toys, these items can pose a real danger to consumers.
Anyone caught selling fake products could face prosecution, hefty fines, and even imprisonment.
We encourage people to buy from reputable sources and report any suspected counterfeit activity to Trading Standards."
Legal risks for offenders
Selling counterfeit goods online, at markets, or through social media is against the law under the Trade Marks Act 1994.
Additionally, the Proceeds of Crime Act enables authorities to confiscate any money made from selling fake products. This means offenders may face financial investigations and lose the profits from their illegal sales.
Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards team works closely with the police to address this concern and protect consumers.