Consumers are being warned to be on the lookout for a number of fake items on sale this Christmas.
GHD straighteners, Nintendo DS Lite consoles and mobile phones are among a host of counterfeit products available to buy this year.
Principal Trading Standards Officer Steve Adie said, “Its not only the prospect of receiving presents that don’t work, there is a risk that a gift could cause injury or even death”.
Council Trading Standards officers are stepping up their routine inspections and checking market stalls, shops and car boot sales to make sure fake goods are not being sold in the county borough.
Mr Adie added, “There a number of things consumers can do to ensure they buy genuine brands. Look at packaging carefully, is the spelling correct? Are there safety warnings? Even fakers copy CE Marks and other labels. How much did you pay? Severely discounted prices could mean the item isn’t the real deal. Only buy from legitimate retailers and keep your receipt and any other paperwork”.
If anyone suspects they have bought a counterfeit item they should contact Consumer Direct Wales on 08454 04 05 06.
