December 19, 2013 11.21 am This story is over 123 months old

Lincolnshire Trading Standards seize fake designer items sold online

Social media sellers: Shoppers in Lincolnshire are advised to be vigilant when shopping online as counterfeit goods circulate the county.
Seized fake Dr Dre Headphones. Photo: LCC

In light of the seasonal busy shopping period, Lincolnshire County Council are warning those purchasing items from social networking sites to be aware of counterfeit products.

Trading Standards, along with Lincolnshire Police, say they are receiving a number of reports about so-called fakes, and they are clamping down on the sellers.

Counterfeiting is deemed a “lifestyle offence”, meaning that all the perpetrators’ financial assets can be investigated including property, benefits, vehicles and personal possessions.

Angela Kane, Senior Trading Standard Officer at the County Council, said: “Each week, we get complaints from people who have received goods, bought in good faith, which have turned out to be fake.

“From the intelligence we are gathering, we are able to start clamping down on these sellers.

“Our most recent crackdown was in Louth last week. Together with Lincolnshire Police, we raided a house after getting reports of its occupants selling fake goods online.

“We found fake UGG boots, Nike trainers, Dr Dre Beats headphones, high end designer handbags, clothing and watches, all which had been advertised for sale on Facebook.

“The retail value of the seized goods was estimated to be in excess of £4,000.

Seized counterfeit designer handbag. Photo: LCC

Seized counterfeit designer handbag. Photo: LCC

“People who are supplying illegal goods on Facebook and other online sites are breaking the law and as such, are subject to the same rules as high street traders.

“Just as you would not expect to see counterfeit goods in shops, they should not be appearing on people’s social media pages either.”

Seized fake Breitling watch. Photo: LCC

Seized fake Breitling watch. Photo: LCC

Trading Standards officers have appealed for anyone with information about counterfeit sellers to call Citizens Advice on 0845 040506.