Fake games consoles and dolls seized from Lincolnshire markets

Fake games consoles, L.O.L Surprise Dolls! and dangerous LED Balloons were seized and recalled after being found on sale at a number of markets and pop-up high street stalls in Lincolnshire.

Games consoles were being sold for £20, but Lincolnshire Trading Standards said they will usually retail for approximately £80.

The Fake L.O.L Surprise! Dolls were found for the second year running at a much lower cost than those on the high street.

Pop-up sellers were also found to be selling potentially dangerous LED balloons on Lincolnshire’s high streets, which have now been recalled.

Lincolnshire Trading Standards has issued a warning about the counterfeit products which were seized in the run up to Christmas, but they were unable to give specific locations saying they are live cases.

It added the these products and others similar have been tested and there are significant safety issues.

Nintendo games consoles were seized by Lincolnshire Trading Standards. Photo: LCC

Chad Saratoon, principal trading standards officer at Lincolnshire Trading Standards said: “With counterfeit products, you can never really be sure that they have been made to a good standard and that they are a decent and durable product.

“These products and others similar have been tested and there are significant safety issues, including insulation failures which pose a risk of overheating and fire, as well as lack of traceability. None of the products have correct labels.

“Counterfeit L.O.L Surprise! dolls have also been found, at a much lower cost than those on the high street. Consumers can’t be sure how these products have been made, what they are made from, or if they are safe to give to you children.

“We’re also seeing pop-up sellers on our high streets selling LED balloons. These are often in a unicorn shape or as a ball. These have actually been recalled, as these are potentially very dangerous.

“So for example, the LED string is too long and can detach posing a strangulation risk and the solder of the string contains an excessive amount of lead. Also, we’ve found that the battery compartment breaks easily or can be opened really easily – giving children easy access to the batteries. The product doesn’t comply with the Toy Safety Directive.”

Games consoles were found being sold for £20, but Lincolnshire Trading Standards said they will usually retail for approximately £80. Photo: LCC

Lincolnshire Trading Standards said if a deal is too good to be true it usually is and Chad added: “I’d urge shoppers to only buy toys from responsible retailers, both on the high street or online.

“It’s always worth buying the genuine article as they have been though considerable amounts of safety testing – meaning you can have confidence that they meet the correct safety standards. For me, you can’t put a price on your child’s safety.”