February 10, 2016 3.57 pm This story is over 97 months old

Lincolnshire Facebook trader caught selling fake goods

Raid: A Facebook trader has been exposed as selling fake clothing and technological equipment after being caught out by a raid.

A Facebook trader has been exposed as selling fake clothing and technological equipment after being caught out by a raid.

Lincolnshire Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police officers worked together to execute the warrant at the home of the seller in Gainsborough, recovering a number of counterfeit goods in the process.

Clothing and footwear bearing various trademarks, quantities of possible counterfeit cigarettes, electronic tablets and a number of mobile phones were seized as part of the raid.

Although not found at the property, the culprit’s Facebook page also ­advertised GHD hair straighteners, MAC make-up, bags and perfume.

The cheap prices indicated they were not genuine.

Photo: Lincolnshire Trading Standards

Photo: Lincolnshire Trading Standards

Joanne Hocking, senior trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We don’t take this type of crime lightly.

“Our message is simple – if you are selling fake goods on Facebook or on other social media sites, we will catch you.

“Our advice to consumers is that if you are in a Facebook group of ‘things for sale in Lincoln’, ‘films for sale in Boston’ etc, please don’t assume that you are getting a bargain from a chap down the road who has some goods to sell.

“Please be cautious, as ultimately the people behind shipping in these goods in bulk are organised gangs and the money filters through to activities like ­prostitution, guns and drugs.

“Ultimately – think before you buy. If something seems too good to be true – it probably is!”

Photo: Lincolnshire Trading Standards

Photo: Lincolnshire Trading Standards

Anyone who sees counterfeit goods for sale should contact Citizens Advice on 03454 04 05 06.