People searching for last minute Mother’s Day gifts are being urged not to risk buying counterfeit goods.
Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team says scammers will try to push items that mimic popular brands, but which lack the safety standards of the original.
Markets and social media platforms are often hotspots for such items, with Cllr Victoria Wilson, cabinet member for communities and culture, urging people not to gamble on fakes.
“We would always remind people to be on their guard for counterfeit items when shopping and always opt for genuine products that meet safety and quality standards.
“Nobody wants their Mother’s Day spoiled by substandard goods that could harm them or leave them out of pocket, so it’s always worth looking out for those tell-tale signs.
“Be aware of cheap prices, take note of where the product is being sold and pay attention to the packaging and labelling of the items.
“Fakes such as perfumes, toiletries, candles or jewellery can be hard to detect but asking yourself some simple questions can keep you safe.
“We always say that if something is too good to be true, it usually is.”
Cllr Victoria Wilson, Staffordshire County Council
Advice on avoiding fakes is available online. People can also report the sales of counterfeit goods on the Staffordshire Fight the Fakes helpline on 01785 330356.
