Buyers beware as fake goods sold on resale sites

Laura Burgess, from Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards service with some counterfeit goods.

As the popularity of online marketplaces for second hand designer clothing continues to grow, shoppers are being reminded to be on the lookout for counterfeit items.

Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards service have seized thousands of fake designer goods over the last 12 months.  Items include clothing, accessories, footwear and perfumes which include top brands such as Chanel, Alexander McQueen and Canada Goose.

Online marketplaces such as Vinted, Depop, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace have become popular trading platforms allowing people to buy and sell items.  Often available at knock down prices, it can be difficult to tell whether goods are the real deal or fakes.

Now Trading Standards officers want people to think carefully when making a purchase. 

Tony Shore, Trading Standards Manager at Staffordshire County Council said:

“In recent years we’ve seen a huge boom in the popularity of online marketplaces but worryingly we’ve also seen an increase in the availability of counterfeit goods.

“Buying fakes may seem harmless enough but it’s usually organised crime gangs behind it, with profits fuelling gang activity.  You can also end up with dangerous products, very poor quality and ultimately out of pocket.

“Our service works hard to tackle the issue, remove items from the market and disrupt illegal counterfeit operations.  Anyone with information should contact the team.”

Some tips to avoid falling victim to counterfeit goods:

• Check the seller's reputation: Only purchase from well-known and reputable retailers. Be cautious of new or unknown sellers.

• Examine Product Details carefully: Look for inconsistencies in product descriptions, packaging, and branding.
• Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid paying by bank transfer. Use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as credit cards or reputable online payment services.

People with information on the sale of counterfeit goods can report it on the Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards service webpage.